GPD’s Robust Internal Training Programs

Continuous training and education in the workplace are critical to a successful company culture. At GPD, education assistance, technical programs, and leadership training are among our key perks. We are committed to continuous training across all aspects of our employees’ careers in various ways. New employees at GPD are provided with a strategically designed onboarding experience during their first week with the company. From there, specialized training occurs at various points throughout their careers. The graphic below highlights the “Training Roadmap” for a GPD team member.

The GPD Experience Training

Developed in-house, the GPD Experience Training is for employees who have been with the company for 3-5 months. Facilitated by GPD’s President, Darrin Kotecki, it focuses on addressing any questions new employees may have about GPD and provides them with the “big picture” information about the company. It allows newer employees to gain a deeper understanding of GPD’s history, culture, and operating philosophies. Additionally, this experience expands upon our employee ownership structure and details its key points.

Employee Testimonials:

“It gave me an appreciation of our “broad-based ownership” structure, and certainly got me on board to do what I can as an employee to ensure the company continues in this model as it grows. I also appreciate how our company focuses on efficiency over profits, which I see as a better metric for the welfare of individual employees compared to the way a typical corporate model would focus on profits for stakeholders. It also helped me to better understand our pay structure.”

“What I liked the most about the training was the big picture concept of the presentation. I felt that Darrin did an excellent job of explaining the overall structure of GPD and then explaining why it is structured the way it is. In addition, for the president of the company to take the time out of his busy day to be the one to present that information speaks volumes. It also speaks truth into the ideas that make GPD stand out.”

Our Newest Training Program, Emotional Intelligence Training

Facilitated by Darla Klein, the training uses a self-assessment called the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) that measures 15 key areas of your emotional intelligence. The training is for GPD employees who have been here for 4+ years.

What is it, and Why is it Important?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) training focuses on enhancing our ability to understand and regulate our own emotions and to recognize the emotions of others. The training helps us find ways to stop letting our emotions get in the way of our goals and our happiness. When we understand our emotions, we are more likely to handle stress in a healthy way, build relationships, act with empathy, and achieve our goals – both at work and at home. Because emotional intelligence can be learned and enhanced, the EQ-i is a powerful assessment tool for participants to measure their growth over time.

GPD implemented EI training as a companywide initiative because we recognize its beneficial effect on team collaboration, enhanced leadership effectiveness, and an overall positive work culture. Emotionally intelligent organizations can problem-solve creatively and efficiently while embracing their teammates’ diverse perspectives. Additionally, EI training provides many individual benefits, such as better stress management, improved self-awareness and adaptability, and enhanced leadership qualities. EI training leads to improved communication among teams and can increase empathy and compassion in individuals.

Continuing Education Units

In addition to our internal training programs, GPD strongly supports our team members in completing ongoing training and maintaining their professional affiliations by completing the required number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each year. This is tracked internally and reported quarterly. We conduct numerous supplier presentations and webinars and attend conferences as they relate to specific disciplines, regulatory requirements, and industries such as ADA, ASHRAE, ASHE, and IES, to name a few.

Ongoing/Continuous Training

• Individual Group Training
• Lunch and Learns
• Conferences
• Seminars

Are you interested in joining a team that invests in their employee’s continued education? Explore open positions here: https://gpdgroup.com/join-our-team/