From Good to Great – How Training Drives Performance and Confidence

Confidence is the foundation of performance. Yet many UK professionals feel underprepared for the demands of modern work. According to a recent survey:

• 48% of UK employees say they lack confidence in their ability to lead or manage others[1].

• 1 in 3 workers feel they don’t have the skills needed to progress in their careers[1].

• Over 60% of SMEs report difficulty in finding candidates with the right soft skills [2].

This lack of confidence leads to hesitation, poor decision-making, and missed opportunities. But when employees receive targeted training, everything changes.

Training isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about empowerment. It gives people the tools, techniques, and mindset to succeed. Here’s how:

✅ Leadership Training

Investing in Leadership training assists managers and executives to lead with clarity, empathy, and authority. It builds emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire teams.

• Leadership training ROI is £2.86 for every £1 invested (186%) [2].

• Leadership development reduces turnover and improves team morale [11].

✅ Public Speaking and Communication

Improves clarity, persuasion, and presence. Employees learn to express ideas confidently, handle meetings, and present with impact.

• Communication skills are the most desirable leadership trait (45.2%) [2].

• Public speaking and emotional intelligence are key components of leadership development programs [2].

✅ Time Management and Productivity

Reduces stress and overwhelm and develops accountability. Employees learn to prioritise, delegate, and stay focused.

✅ Team Building

Strengthens relationships and trust. Training in collaboration and conflict resolution creates more cohesive, resilient teams and increases employee engagement. 

✅ Sales and Customer Service Training

Boosts confidence in client interactions. Employees learn how to handle objections, resolve issues, and build rapport.

When people feel capable, they perform better. They take initiative, solve problems, and contribute more meaningfully.

Training isn’t just good for business—it’s transformative for individuals. Here’s what it offers:

🌱 Growth and Development

Employees gain new skills, expand their knowledge, and feel more capable. Employees who receive training are more likely to feel valued and stay longer. [6]. Having an impactful training development for employees increases employee attraction and retention and reduces the costs of recruitment.

💬 Improved Communication

Training in effective communication helps reduce misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.

🧠 Mental Wellbeing

Learning reduces stress and builds resilience. Employees feel more in control and less overwhelmed. [4]

🚀 Career Progression

Training opens doors to promotions, new roles, and leadership opportunities. Career progression is accelerated through targeted development. [2]

• Trained employees are 33% more likely to be promoted [4].

🤝 Connection and Purpose

Employees feel valued and invested in, which boosts morale and loyalty.

Whether it’s leadership training, public speaking, or team building, the personal impact is profound.

Managers and executives play a critical role in shaping culture and performance. Yet many are promoted without formal training, leading to inconsistent leadership and disengaged teams.

• 82% of UK managers enter leadership roles without formal training [1].

• Trained managers are more likely to address poor behaviour and lead effectively [1].

Best management training helps leaders:

• Delegate effectively

• Motivate and engage teams

• Handle conflict and change

• Communicate with clarity

• Drive results

When leaders are trained, they create environments where others can thrive.

Sales and customer service are high-pressure roles that demand confidence, empathy, and skill. Training in these areas delivers immediate results:

💼 Affordable Sales Training

Teaches techniques for prospecting, pitching, and closing. Boosts conversion rates and revenue.

• Sales training boosts conversion rates and revenue [8].

• Trained employees handle objections and close sales more effectively [7].

📞 Professional Customer Service Training

Improves client satisfaction and loyalty. Helps staff handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism.

• Customer service training improves satisfaction and loyalty [7].

These roles are often the face of your business. Training ensures they represent your brand with confidence and competence.

How do you know training is working? Here are key indicators:

• Improved performance metrics

• Higher engagement scores

• Reduced turnover

• Better customer feedback

• Increased innovation and initiative

According to the Learning and Work Institute, every £1 invested in training returns up to £6 in productivity gains. [5] [9]. That’s a powerful ROI.

According to the CIPD Learning at Work 2023 report, the top priorities for UK organisations are:

• Growth

• Productivity

• Talent retention

• Skills development [12]

Training directly supports these goals by aligning employee capabilities with business needs. 

Creating a Culture of Confidence

Training isn’t a one-time event—it’s a mindset. To build a confident, high-performing team, businesses must:

1. Make training accessible: Use online platforms and flexible formats.

2. Encourage continuous learning: Offer regular opportunities for development.

3. Recognise growth: Celebrate achievements and milestones.

4. Lead by example: Managers should model learning and openness.

5. Listen and adapt: Use feedback to improve training programs.

Confidence grows in environments where learning is valued and supported.

Final Thoughts

Confidence is the fuel that powers performance. It helps people take risks, solve problems, and lead with purpose. And the best way to build confidence is through training.

Whether it’s leadership training, sales techniques, public speaking, or team building, investing in your people transforms your business from good to great. Training isn’t just about learning - it's about leading, growing and thriving.

Training builds confidence. Confidence drives performance. And performance creates success.

[1] Top Leadership Development Statistics 2025 | Kinkajou

[2] Leadership Development Industry Statistics in the UK | CJPI

[3] Learning at work 2023 survey report - CIPD

[4] A rapid review of reviews on the nature of the relationship ... - GOV.UK

[5] How to Measure ROI of Learning and Development [Training ROI Formula]

[6] Why Investing in Staff Training is the Key to Recruitment and Retention ...

[7] Training & Development for Retail Service Excellence | Techniques

[8] Improving Sales Effectiveness Through Training - EXELA

[9] Maximising ROI on training programmes in 2025: Strategies for a high ...

[10] Employer Skills Survey 2019: Training and Workforce Development - GOV.UK

[11] The Strategic Value of Leadership and Management Training

[12] Learning at work 2023 survey report - CIPD