Development Strategies for Training

The development of training is a very detail oriented process. Prior to any training development, 5 basic questions should be asked. These questions are who is the training for, why is the training necessary, what are the intended goals of the training, when will the training be provided, and how will the training be provided? In my professional opinion, I believe all five questions rely on the single premise of alignment. Alignment, in this case, refers to a cohesive manner in which training is developed that provides clear links between the questions and organizational objectives. All too often training development fails to achieve a state of clarity and alignment which downgrades the potential for success (Actimpact Consulting Team, 2014).

As one can see from the following visual image, clarity and alignment provide a more cohesive picture when attempting to move in a particular training direction.

(Actimpact Consulting Team, 2014)

That is not to say that arriving at the same destination is not possible without alignment, however results will differ greatly. Regrettably, most training designers focus on the results without taking the time to recognize the steps necessary to achieve those results.

 

Many of us have heard the phrase, "old habits die hard." As a response to this common phrase I would suggest a method of adaptation rather than "death." Developing training can still begin with the examination of the desired results. After all, knowing what the trainer and organization want to happen is a major point of training. However, results fixation should be shifted to the five guiding questions. Focusing on these questions will provide an outline for the training process that can continually be referred back to the desired results. If the answers to the questions are not meeting the results then changes can be made. This type of development process allows for constant alignment between the guiding questions and the intended outcomes. As a result, the training program will consist of clarity and unified direction, leading to increased probabilities for success.

 

References:

Actimpact Consulting Team. (2014). Clarity and alignment produce results. Retrieved from http://actimpact.com/leadership-solutions/leadership-teams/