Training: Part Passion and Part Skill

You've heard the phrase, "hire for passion and train for skill." I like the sentiment, but I also somewhat disagree. I think you should hire for both passion and skill. But, more importantly, I think you should train for both passion and skill.

Of course, people need to be trained on how to do their jobs better. Most training involves sharpening skills and improving performance. And I don't think we should ever get away from that kind of training.

But, in addition to training for skill, we also need to train for attitude. We don't only need to tell our people how to do their jobs; we should also be reminding them why they do their jobs.

Passionate people will always find the motivation to develop the skills they need to do their jobs well. But people who are merely skilled may lack the passion to execute. So, when you're developing your training, put some focus on both areas. Train for skill, but never neglect the importance of passion in developing your employees.

David Lykken is 40-year industry veteran who has been an owner operator of three mortgage banking companies and a software company. As co-founder and managing partner of Mortgage Banking Solutions, David consults on virtually all aspects of mortgage banking with special emphasis executive leadership development, corporate strategic direction and implementation, as well as mergers and acquisitions. A regular contributor on CNBC and Fox Business News, David also hosts a successful weekly radio program, “Lykken on Lending,” that is heard each Monday at noon (Central Standard Time) by thousands of mortgage professionals. Recently, he started producing one-minute videos called “Today’s Mortgage Minute” that appears on hundreds of television, radio and newspaper Web sites daily across America. He may be reached by phone at (512) 977-9900, ext. 10, or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].