From Training to Transformation: How Leaders Get the Most Out of Educating Their Team

Imagine investing thousands of dollars in staff time and tuition for the latest aesthetic techniques or business courses—sending employees to conferences or bringing in an expert for in-office training—only to watch those skills fade, or be underused or forgotten. This scenario is common in aesthetic practices, where training is sometimes treated as a requirement rather than a strategic investment. The result? Wasted money, lost time, and a frustrated team unable to translate knowledge into results.

As leaders, we should ask: Why do we train? Is it simply to meet licensing requirements and keep up with trends, or is it to drive business growth, enhance patient outcomes, and foster continuous improvement? Training is not merely an expense—it is an investment. But like any investment, if not reinforced, it yields little return.

Planning for Training Success

Effective training begins with intentional planning and clear objectives, not only on the day of the course. Before enrolling staff in a seminar, workshop, or certification program, consider:

1. Define the Purpose and Goals: Set specific, measurable objectives instead of vague aspirations. For example:

Increase retention by improving consultation skills.

Improve call-to-consult conversions by differentiating practice services.

Boost revenue by incorporating a new service line.

2. Select Training That Aligns With Vision: Choose programs that are reputable, relevant, and congruent with long-term goals. Ask:

Does it provide hands-on experience or only theory?

Is the instructor credible with proven success?

Do the techniques align with patient demographics and services?

3. Obtain Team Buy-In: Staff should view training as opportunity, not obligation. Strategies include:

Explain the “why”—link training to professional growth, patient outcomes, and confidence.

Invite team input in program selection. Participation builds ownership and commitment.

Turning Training Into Action

To prevent training from being forgotten, bridge the gap between learning and practice:

1. Develop a Post-Training Action Plan: Hold a debrief immediately after training to:

Share key takeaways.

Identify 2 to 3 learnings to implement immediately.

Discuss anticipated challenges and solutions.

2. Provide Hands-On Practice and Shadowing: Reinforce skills through:

Supervised practice sessions.

A “see one, do one, teach one” model, fostering mastery and accountability.

3. Set Metrics for Success: Measure training impact with key performance indicators (KPIs), such as:

Patient satisfaction scores.

Revenue growth from new techniques.

Operational efficiency (eg, reduced wait times).

4. Reinforce Through Continuous Learning: One-time training is insufficient. Reinforce skills on an ongoing basis via:

Monthly skill refreshers or case reviews.

Peer coaching and mentorship.

Digital resources, including videos and webinars.

5. Recognize and Reward Implementation: Encourage adoption of new skills by:

Acknowledging progress in team meetings.

Offering incentives (eg, bonuses, gift cards, professional development opportunities).

Embedding recognition in workplace culture.

Creating a Culture of Training That Sticks

Lasting success requires culture change. Here are some tips for fostering successful training culture: 

Lead by Example. Attend training with your team and model growth.

Foster Psychological Safety: Allow staff to learn, practice, and fail safely.

Make Training Routine: Incorporate education into huddles, case discussions, and mentorship.

Investing in Training That Pays Off

Training is not a one-time event but an essential component of a high-performing practice. The difference between wasted cost and transformative investment lies in reinforcement and culture. Leaders who approach education strategically build a culture of excellence, innovation, and growth.

The real question is not whether you can afford to invest in training. It is: Can you afford not to? 

Kim Underwood

• Practice consultant
• Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company