The reason innovations fail is not because of technology. It’s never about the technology. Innovations fail because of people. The people who might employ a new technology may not be sold on it. Or they might be afraid of it. Or they might feel threatened by it. However, the biggest threat to a new innovation your company is trying to develop will be your own people.

You may have read my colleague Gresham Ard’s blog post, “Training: Where to Start?” If you haven’t, start there, like the title says! Once you’re familiar with the foundations of great training, here are three more things to do that will help boost the effectiveness of your training sessions.

Packard Inc. told its employees on Aug. 25 that it had become the first master distributor in the HVACR industry to adopt an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). The purpose of an ESOP is to enable eligible employees to share in the growth and prosperity of the company, accumulate capital for their future economic security, and acquire beneficial stock ownership interests in the company.

The NEWS is accepting nominations for its annual Best Contractor to Work For contest. Each year, The NEWS’ editors honor great companies who have done a phenomenal job when it comes to taking care of their employees and truly making their businesses the best places to work.

If you want your employees to step up and deliver the best service to your customers, it’s time to make sure that you and your employees are on the same team — that everyone is aligned and “pulling in the same direction.”