When a department lacks some set of skills, a manager’s first inclination is usually to hire a new employee. But one expert says resources might be better focused on improving the skills of current employees.

The reason: Many technical skills can be taught, but there are a lot of important qualities people either have or don’t — for example, a good work ethic or strong people skills.

In other words, hire for attitude, train for aptitude, says Keith McFarland, founder of management consulting firm McFarland Strategy Partners. That’s especially true in this economy, when hiring someone new may not be financially possible.

Giving a good employee the right training can be a cost-effective way to keep a department running smoothly without adding staff members.

Tags: McFarland, technical skills, training