\n\tThe Oxford dictionary defines training as the \u201caction of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior.\u201d Unfortunately, this definition does not point to the organizational purpose for training to produce business results. Most Training professionals are aware of this gap but uncertain how to close it.<\/p>\n
\n\tHere are four simple steps Training professionals can follow to create training that will measurably impact organizational results.<\/p>\n
\n\tSTEP 1: DEFINE THE BUSINESS OUTCOME<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tThe first step is to determine the specific organizational- level result desired. Your goal is to discover and understand the underlying problem that generated the training request, and what would indicate the problem has been solved.<\/p>\n \n\tThe more specifically you define the desired outcomes, the better target you have to focus your efforts. You also should ensure the stated outcomes are at the organizational level. For example, \u201cTeach our new leaders effective communication skills\u201d is not an outcome. You need to know what kinds of positive outcomes would occur if new leaders were to use effective communication skills, such as increased employee satisfaction or reduction in errors.<\/p>\n \n\tSTEP 2: IDENTIFY THE CRITICAL BEHAVIORS<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tAfter achieving clarity on the desired outcomes, find out what would need to happen for them to occur. This basic but critical step often is overlooked.<\/p>\n \n\tEngage in a two-way conversation with experienced supervisors about exactly what training graduates need to do on the job to produce the desired outcomes. A small number of clearly defined critical behaviors should result. In this process, you are defining in literal, observable, and measurable terms what people should do on the job to make the desired outcomes most likely to occur.<\/p>\n \n\tFor example, critical behaviors for a leadership development program might be:<\/p>\n \n\tSTEP 3: CREATE SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY TOOLS AS YOU BUILD THE PROGRAM<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\tWhen a training request is received, discuss post-training roles and responsibilities with the business. The more mission-critical the program, the more attention is required for the on-the-job support needed after training. Design and build a post-training support and accountability package as you build the training content, and share this plan with participants during training so they know what to expect.<\/p>\n \n\tFor example, senior managers could require new leaders to report on the team meetings and individual sessions they held with direct reports that week, including the key topics addressed. The IT group could provide online templates and tools to make this easy. Training could assist new managers who are struggling to hold the meetings.<\/p>\n\n