Corporate Trainings - A hidden Positioning spot.

Most corporate trainings are forgettable, but use them strategically and position yourself.

We know the results of most trainings: You collect a certificate. Maybe a workbook. Then you go back to your desk.

But here’s the truth: Trainings are not just about content — they’re about career signals. It's all about the right choice.

There are different strategic reasons for a training:
✅ Build credibility as an expert
✅ Signal readiness for leadership
✅ Connect with decision-makers and peers

Recently I talked to a client, let's call him Tom. His manager nominated him to a leadership training and Tom is 25 years old. Great achievement.

But Tom wanted to reject because he feared to get pushed to take over a team, maybe even a low performer team.

Should Tom participate in the Leadership training or not?

Here’s how to decide which trainings actually move your career forward.

1. Expert-Level Trainings (Deepen Your Craft)

Climbing the corporate ladder in management isn't the only way to what is called a career. You can make a career as an expert.

Examples for an expert career are all topics that provide a deeper knowledge and understanding of your daily role, e.g.:

• Advanced certifications (e.g., cloud, cybersecurity, data analysis)
• Technical deep-dives, vendor workshops
• Specialized industry tools or methodologies

After the training, we can build on the new knowledge and become the "go-to" expert in your company. Or you can connect similar experts and build a guild.

In the training itself, you get to know other experts. This enlarges your network and your visibility. Use this momentum to create something new or bigger.

How to decide:
→ Will this make me undeniably better at what I’m already known for?

2. Leadership Trainings (Signal You’re Next in Line)

It seems today everyone wants to be a leader. Yes, leadership isn't a title. You can lead without a title (this is a topic for another newsletter).

However, never underestimate the power of a structured introduction. Every training is curated. And you get a trainer providing answers to your questions.

There are different trainings that can be offered:

• Emerging leader programs
• Strategic thinking, people management, leading without authority
• Internal nomination-only programs

Especially, in leadership training, the content is not as important as what happens apart from it.

These trainings aren’t just learning events — they’re visibility events

You meet future leaders. You’re seen by HR. You’re watched. You build relationships that can help you tomorrow. All future leaders in one room.

Participating in leadership programs sends one message:

Coming back to Tom. Yes, attending a leadership training shows readiness. But you don't have to become a leader within your department or even company.

Such a training is like a badge. Once you earn it, you can use it in different places. When applying to other companies, you can show your badge.

You show that you are qualified and capable for being a team leader. Never underestimate this power. Never can take it away.

I suggested Tom to take this opportunity and then decide how to move on. He was grateful for this alternative view, and he will join the program.

How to decide:
→ Will this give me exposure to new people + signal leadership potential?

3. Soft Skills & Universal Trainings (Transferable Value)

There are trainings beyond the expert and leadership career. There are universal trainings helping on both aspects, like:

• Effective communication, storytelling, influencing without authority
• Negotiation skills, conflict resolution
• Presentation or business writing

I like those trainings the most. They can be applied to any job or situation. We might think that these topics are fluffy. But they have real power.

You learn how to talk to people like your manager about your successes or about your salary, or just to tell your story in a compelling way.

How to decide:
→ Will this help me scale my value across more people or projects?

Pro Tip: Training = Talent Marker

When managers or HR nominate you for leadership programs — say yes.
Even if the content seems basic, the room matters more than the slides.

You meet people. You get noticed. You shape how others see you. It is a great opportunity to stand out.

Summary
Corporate trainings are rarely life-changing. But the right training at the right time can change how people see you — and open new doors. Choose your path first. Then pick the trainings that get you there. And you build a future network. Don't miss that moment. It’s often a signal, not just an opportunity.