Progression Training: Make It Better Every Day

H2: Why Progression Training Builds Stronger Teams and Better Leaders

Progression training creates growth for every employee by building skills layer by layer, making learning both practical and engaging.

A common complaint we hear is that training is boring or worse yet, nonexistent. As we pride ourselves on being problem solvers, I would like to propose a way of training that accommodates everyone at any level, while still maintaining the push for excellence. It is called progression training and it is all about progress—getting better at all levels, every day.

I have used this method with great success as a weightlifting trainer, a soccer coach, the training officer at my fire department, and now as a leadership consultant. It all starts with a basic skill that must be mastered, and a way to measure progress. Then you simply make it harder, depending on the skill of the participant or the group.

In weightlifting, it’s easy: increase reps, increase weight, write it on the chart, praise the progress. In soccer you decrease the size of the field, add more offensive or defensive players, maybe add a few more balls—again, praise the progress. At the fire department it was even more fun. Throw in a broken piece of equipment, a suddenly injured comrade, add some bad weather, time them, etc. The possibilities were almost endless. And as always, praise the progress.

Can you see the commonalities? Adding layers of complexity or problems to solve—and letting people know that you SEE their growth—meets the basic needs of all employees: belonging to an organization that values them, and feeling that they are growing.

We do not want to diminish the role of the classroom. Every skill should have a classroom component that explains the necessity and importance of the skill, along with the steps needed to become proficient. But too often, the classroom becomes the entire training, when it is really only the first step.

Even the greatest classroom experience with the greatest test score doesn’t guarantee real-world execution, especially under stress. You must take that classroom learning and apply it in the real world. In other words: practice, practice, practice.

Whether you use games, role playing, simulations, group challenges, or hands-on activities, you must make that practice real life. You must demand problem solving, allow creativity, encourage cooperation, and be relentless about building a culture of growth.

Lessons Learned From Progression Training

Human beings learn better and faster when they enjoy what they’re doing—so encourage fun without compromising skill.

If you time a skill, time individuals or small groups against their own last time, not each other. It is always better to create many winners in training rather than just one.

And pay attention to your veterans. They may seem set in their ways, but they hold a world of experience that organizations often overlook. When their wisdom is ignored, they feel discarded—and that’s when rebellion begins.

Progression training is a tool. When used regularly, it can produce spectacular results. More importantly, it can drive the culture of your organization toward what should be everyone’s goal: the daily pursuit of excellence.

Keep Building Strength Through Practice

The most successful leaders are the ones who help their teams grow step by step. For practical tools you can apply immediately, explore our Coaching & Feedback for Growth workbook — designed to help leaders develop people with clarity, consistency, and confidence.