How Do You Change Employee Attitudes? Exploring Effective Training Methods

Dear members,

I wanted to know which training methods are used to change the attitudes of employees.

Nikhil

Dear Nikhil,

No training has changed any employee's attitude at any time. There could be ephemeral change but not a lasting one. If a few hours of training could have changed one's approach towards life, then life would have been a far better place to live! There are training companies who claim that they conduct training on "Positive Mental Attitude," but none has ever shown any measurable impact of their training. I too have conducted training on positive thinking, but then all I could do is give some examples of how, because of positive thinking, a person has achieved outstanding heights.

Time and again, this topic comes up for discussion. Earlier, I have given a reply to a similar post. Please click the following link to refer to it: https://www.citehr.com/172876-changi...tml#post746530

Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar
dineshdivekar@yahoo.com

Hi,

The key to attitudinal changes is intrinsic motivation and self-belief. If you can make the trainees believe that a small shift in attitude can revolutionize their lives, they will seek and find the right training to further their future.

Check the daily blogs listed below to get a hang of what can be done practically when the message is understood.

Attitude training is such a challenge because the causes of attitudes are so diverse. Training will be useful when the inputs that lead to insights are repeated and reinforced over a period of time, and when attitude change is shown to yield tangible results. This kind of training has already been taken forward, and it has been my privilege to have it implemented.

Should you be interested in taking this forward, I would be pleased to provide you with the "modus vivendi" on a simple direct message from you using this website.

Re: Attitude Training

I must agree with other respondents - you cannot train someone to change their mind; people need to understand what needs to be changed. Attitude and perceptions are the basis of behavior. Attitude is like a pair of glasses through which we view the world. Attitudes are based on our values, personality, and are also influenced by the environment. We specialize in mindset change programs based on theory (safety and customer care programs). These programs have been successfully introduced in the mining industry, where serious accidents still happen. However, it is an OD intervention and not just a training program.

Regards,
Pieter (South Africa)

Firstly, the need for such training should be identified. If you have determined that there is a need to train individuals to change their attitudes, then you must jot down the attitudes you want to change and the attitudes you want to develop. The next step would be to design training to meet these needs. It must be designed with consideration for the expected learning outcomes. Appropriate methodology should also be selected, taking into account the subject matter and the participants' profiles. However, it should be noted that the initial training program may only serve as a trigger at best. Further reinforcement must be provided in the workplace and within the company's culture. Progress must be monitored closely, and the second stage of training should be delivered at the right time, considering the feedback on the effects of the first phase of training so that necessary adjustments to the syllabus and methodology can be made. Therefore, it will be a gradual process that requires careful nurturing. It cannot be a one-shot deal. Moreover, it cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. It is organization-specific, individual-specific, and time-consuming.

A role model trainer can bring about the desired attitude change by inspiring and influencing changes in participants' feelings, thoughts, speech, and actions.

One such three-day module was tested in a PSU last October with the title "Positive Thinking, Attitude Building, and Changing Mindset" for Supervisors. The company aims to repeat the same module to include all 500 supervisory level personnel, and the project is conducted monthly for 25 participants over a three-day period. The feedback from past participants has been highly positive, showing a noticeable impact on their behavior.

This initiative requires the support and follow-up of top management.

Er. Prafulla K Acharya, Ph.D. in HRD & Management (IIT-Kgp)
09437022040
pka2001uk@yahoo.co.uk

Hi,

Attitude can be changed by a combination of training and mentoring, at least for those people who have been identified for fast track or senior positions in the organization through succession planning. A combination of experiential learning, outbound training, regular mentoring, and periodic feedback to a set of targeted employees can definitely bring about the desired change. It also requires unrelenting passion and commitment from the trainer and the organization to sustain and provide timely reinforcements. This has been proven in companies that have had hardcore industrial relation problems, and through this combination, they have achieved marvelous results.

Kind regards,
Dayanand L Guddin

Dear Nikhil,

Your question demands some sort of explanation. First of all, you should remember that training is only provided to address the gaps in knowledge and to improve employee behavior. If there is any lacking in a person's character, no amount of training in the world can change it as attitudes stem from that. Attitude problems that occur, if lacking in kindness, can be improved through role-play, behavior modeling, and sensitivity training.

Regards,
Ash

I agree with Pieter. Attitude reform training is not a mere classroom exercise. External OD interventions also have little impact. It's done partly through OJT as well. While the work culture and corporate environment are great contributors, the immediate reporting managers have a major role to play. What we encourage or promote through our R&R programs aimed at attitude reforms will have a long-lasting effect. Everyone likes appreciation, and what we appreciate in employees will have a greater impact on shaping their behavior, attitude, personality, and commitment for change.

MS Moorthy
GVK EMRI

Hello everyone,

I just went through this thread and found it to be very interesting. I think Attitude Reform Training is just the need for many companies, especially PSUs having an aging population. I would be glad if someone could elaborate on how this kind of training can be actually imparted and what should be the course contents, etc.

I am an MBA student specializing in HR. Kindly provide me with some inputs on this.

Thank you.