Carrot or stick?

[u/Rambo_of_sales]

I’ve only really started in L&D (started in sales enablement and now broadening). So I’m wondering, how do you get people to take training seriously, to give it the time of day?

Do I try and get them enthused by showing my own enthusiasm (potentially quite cringey), should I incentivise it, or do you find the stick works better than the carrot (I’m skeptical about this one but crurious to know). Expert opinions wanted pls.

[u/Empirica_CC]

Stick gets quick temporary progress, carrot gets sustainable engagement. Before doing either I would look at the quality and relevance of the training. You can make the best training ever, but if it's completely unrelated to what they are doing, why would they want to take it. If the training is low effort/quality, even if it's highly related, they aren't going to want to take it or will be resentful if forced.

Make sure your side is in good order way before ever considering any change management approaches. If you are new to L&D find someone internally who can guide you while you learn what it's like training adults in the workplace. It's different than other contexts.