Seven Reasons Why Training Doesn't Produce the Desired Results and What You Can Do To Improve Your Results
Overview
Abraham Maslow said, "If the only tool you have is a hammer,
every problem looks like a nail." As managers, leaders and
change agents, we want to improve our organizational
performance. Often training is seen as an important tool in
this pursuit. Training is a fabulous tool! It can
provide awareness, knowledge, skills and maybe even a chance to
practice. However, all of our change efforts aren't nails,
so training isn't our only tool. This special report identifies
seven common reasons why training doesn't meet it's goals - even
when it is the right tool - and more importantly - gives you some
action steps to avoid these pitfalls.
The "Who's Accountable?" Game
People rarely are held accountable for using what they learned in
a course or workshop when they get back to the workplace.
So some people recognize going to training as a game.
That's why training is seldom seen (by anyone in the
organization) as what it could and should be - a strategic part
of the business, with responsibility for performance
enhancement. Regardless of how training is viewed, if
people aren't held accountable, how likely is it that real
performance change will occur? All of the actions below
will make accountability clear.
What You Can Do
? Give people a clear message before participating in
training what the expectations of them will be when they
return.
? Plan some time with the participant both before and after
the training session.
? Let participants know before they attend that an action
plan is expected as a result of the training session. (Then
be interested in the outcome.)
? Ask participants how you can help them reach their new
performance goals.
The Cafeteria Cause - "Course du Jour"
Often training has no connection to the strategic objectives of
the organization. Whether true or not, the prevalent
perception in the organization is that there is no rhyme or
reason to the latest training course. This cause is called
"Course du Jour" because often organizations offer new training
just like some people try new diets. New business books
(and accompanying "hot" new training topics) are published with
the frequency of new diet plans - and the similarities
continue! With the fad popular diets, people hear about the
new approach, buy the book, get excited, try the diet, and soon
leave it - usually before they received any real benefit.
The same thing happens in an organization. The new training
topic, approach, idea or craze is tried and dropped before
results can occur.. There's usually nothing wrong
with the training introduced, but usually it isn't supported in
the organization - or given the time to work. In these
instances, the company is wasting time and money and confusing
the majority of the employees. Maybe most costly however is the
risk of fostering cynicism and reducing the credibility of
leadership.
What You Can Do
? Make training decisions based on strategic direction
and real performance gaps. Once those training priorities
have been set, stick to them.
? Make a commitment to get a return on that training
investment.
? Resolve to give the training time and support to work.
? Determine clear performance outcomes for the effort up
front.
? When a new "hot topic" training course is proposed, ask,
"How does this fit with what we've been doing? Is this just our
next diet?"
? Use real work in the training when possible.
The Piling on the Work Paradigm
Many times managers and leaders see training as an expensive
waste of time. When they attend classes, they continually
think about all the work that is piling up "back in the
office". Their employees see this attitude through their
leader's actions. This thinking grows because leaders don't
explain the reasons for the course and don't help people deal
with the workload while they are gone. Since you can't make
people learn, these situations can be disastrous in the training
session itself. People may resent having to be in the
training because they don't understand why they're there, and
they know they'll have to work harder when they get back to the
job to catch up. In this situation the participants may
leave more cynical than when they arrived, with few if any new
skills to counteract that possible effect.
What You Can Do
? Do everything possible to make sure all of management
is on-board with the training and its purpose.
? Make a commitment to get a return on that training
investment.
? Resolve to give the training time and support to work.
? Determine clear performance outcomes for the effort up
front.
? Set up a plan to handle the work while the participant is
learning. This action speaks volumes about the importance
of the training. It will also improve their
ability to focus on the session (e.g. "My critical
work is being handled", and " Whew, I'm sure glad that
most of my mail will have been handled when I get back!")
The January Third Application Assignment
Well designed training with motivated learners will result in
people leaving training with some clear ideas about how they plan
to apply what they've learned back on the job. But well
intentioned as those plans might be, they may be no more
effective than most New Year's Resolutions. Old habits are
hard to break! Habits are especially hard to break when
there is no support for the new skills and behaviors back in the
workplace.
What You Can Do
? Give people a clear message before participating in
training what the expectations of them will be when they
return.
? Plan some time with the participant both before and after
the training session.
? Let them know before they attend, that an action plan is
expected as a result of the training session. (Then be
interested in the outcome.)
? Ask them how you can help them reach their new performance
goals. All of these actions will make accountability
clear.
? Give an entire work group training in new information and
skills at the same time. (Whenever possible and appropriate.)
? Use real work in the training when possible.
The Sleepwear Syndrome - "One-Size-Fits-All"
Often times a T-shirt or sleepwear is designed to be "one
size-fits-all" and serves its purpose. Training isn't
sleepwear and probably won't be effective that way. Look at
it this way: though all the teen-age kids might wear one size of
sweatshirt to school, would people wear the same size suit or
skirt to work? If they did, would they look as good or
perform well? In other words, one-size-fits-all garments
aren't all that versatile for different situations. The
basic goal of clothing - to cover our body and provide warmth -
would be achieved, but many other reasons why we wear clothing
would not be satisfied. The same is true for training in
the workplace. Too often, generic, across-the-board
training is administered. The basic premise with this
syndrome is that "We'll give it to everyone - to be fair - maybe
everyone doesn't need this information or lack the skills, but at
least we will make sure we don't leave anyone out." In
reality often management doesn't really know who needs the new
skills and knowledge.
What You Can Do
? Base training and participation decisions on skills needed to be effective in the workplace.
The Lone Ranger Situation
Often people are sent to training as a perk, a reward, or as a
way to get them in a new surrounding for awhile. In most
cases, people in a team or work group may never all see the same
training, except for the "Course du Jour" or "One-Size-Fits-All"
variety. Some times people need specific skills to perform
a specific part of their work. Often though, the "perk"
training workshops are for skills many people in the group could
use (or maybe they'll all be sent over-time; after all, everyone
can't be gone at once.) The result? People come back
to work in a vacuum. Not only are they not accountable
(Reason Number One above), but no one they work with has the same
new skills and knowledge that they do. Without support, as a Lone
Ranger, the new ideas they bring back may not get implemented due
to peer resistance or ignorance.
What You Can Do
? Give an entire work group training in new information
and skills at the same time. (Whenever possible and
appropriate.)
? Build training that is linked to the problems at work as
well.
? Use real work in the training when possible.
The "Name That Tune" Game
This problem arises when, in the name of expediency or
efficiency, training time is compacted. Trainers are asked
to "Name That Tune" (or complete the training) in shorter and
shorter time blocks. This show starts with "The Management
Team only needs an overview", and ends with training being
designed to fit a time slot, as opposed to being designed to
build specific skills. The typical result of the "Name That
Tune - shorten the session for my people Game", is training that
is little more that exposure to a topic area - not training which
can transfer real skills, with real practice time in the
classroom.
What You Can Do
? Give the training staff some muscle - let them be
strong advocates for training that is skill based, and not
just meant to fill the ever-shortening time slot.
? Determine clear performance outcomes for the effort up
front.
Final Thoughts
Training can be expensive, often time consuming, and
disappointing - both to the individuals and to the
organization. Training and learning is also vitally
important to the success of organizations. These Seven
Reasons are often why training is so disappointing and time
consuming. Taking the actions listed will help reduce the
cost, lower the frustration and disappointment and drastically
increase the effectiveness of the training in your
organization.
©1999, All Rights Reserved, Kevin Eikenberry. Kevin is the President of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that helps their Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. Go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/training/training.asp to learn more about our customized training service offered or contact Kevin at toll free 888.LEARNER.
MORE RESOURCES updated Sat. December / 09 / 2023 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES:
Management, Balance & Time - 10 Tips for Managing Overwhelm in your Business How many of us have been in a position where we have more to do than can realistically fit into one day, or week. So we spend all of our time feeling rushed, being rushed, and wondering how on earth we are going to manage. How To Make Money With Your Junk Mail The term "junk mail" is a well-known term. To the common guy or gal on the street, "junk mail" to them is advertising flyers from the local grocery store and pizza shop that arrive in their mail every day. Top 10 Ways to Turn Clients Into Raving Fans Do you find great joy in being a coach? If so, you will find that your enthusiasm is contagious and will attract clients. Be sure to develop a superb and supportive community. Ten Reasons to Implement Choice Theory in Your Organization What is Choice Theory (CT)? CT is a theory of the explanation of human behavior. CT has applicability to both a person's personal and professional life. 10 Incredibly important business basics EVERYONE needs to know BEFORE they start a business! In my career, I have had a total of 3 businesses myself and a few others where I am in partnerships. Each time you start a business the basics are pretty well the same. How To Use The Power Of Focus To Build Massive Momentum In Your Business Getting focused on what you want to achieve and creating an action plan for making it happen are critical skills for you to master. As bestselling author Napoleon Hill once said, "Every well-built house started with a definite plan in the form of blueprints. 10 Things To Do Before You Start Your Business If you are thinking of starting a new business, or if you are just about to take the plunge, you will know that there is a lot that you have to do. But where do you start? It is a good idea to get some of the groundwork done before you start, possibly this will often mean things that you hadn't thought about, things that most people do as a reaction to circumstances rather than as a planned activity. Learn to Improve Sales - 10 Ways to Get More Business Starting Today You need sales and you wanted them yesterday. Here are ten ideas to start those sales pouring in. 5 Things You Must Do Well When Buying a Business to Not Get Burned Are you not sure what Business to buy? Need to know what is a fair deal? Martin Smith thought he was buying an established business with good credit and collectable accounts receivable. The day after settlement the surprises began. The Top Ten Qualities that Allow Business Operations to Grow Easily My husband and I were enjoying our dinner meal one evening while discussing various plans and ideas. I was sharing that I wanted to submit articles and ads to a huge number of ezines to market my eProgram in a big way, and I wanted his help to make this happen. Home Furnishings in India : How to Find an Exporter, manufacturer or Supplier ? Beyond a Database. Looking for a manufacturer or supplier of home furnishings in India ?Don't know where to begin? Want to find a source but at a loss for resources? Want to do business in India, but unsure what is the best way to go about it? This article attempts to answer some of these questions. Firstly, unless you have a link in India, you will find it a difficult task to sift through the information available on the Internet. The Lazy Person Secrets To Overnight Wealth And Fame There are so many simple, yet really sure-fire ways of acquiring wealth, it's a wonder everybody with even the least bit of ambition isn't already rich. When you come right down to it, the only things needed for anyone to make bundles of money are the long-range vision and the energy to put a money-making plan into force. Top Ten Ways to Manage Interruptions So many people I worked with said they got more work done at home than in the office. That was because there were so many interruptions in the office. Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle Series. Next: Sales; We've already found $250,000?so let's find another $250,000?Laying the Foundation. Last week, we raised the question: what would your business do with $1,000,000? To lay the foundation we introduced inventory as the first of four areas that will lead toward our million dollar goal. And you saw exactly how to achieve the first $250,000 in cash savings by avoiding delays with an increase in velocity, as well as an increase in discipline and competency. How to Hold An Extremely Successful Event - 10 Tips Every event you hold can be extremely successful. Apply these 10 tips to guarantee a memorable event for everyone who attends. Positioning Your Company for Debt Financing Positioning Your Company for Debt Financing: There was a time in the old days when going to the bank was the only way to get outside capital for your business. These days with the explosion of raising equity investment, many of the guidelines for running a company have been revolutionized. 7 Money Saving Tips to Decrease Home Business Expenses We all know that running a home business is highly satisfying, and at times downright liberating! No clock to punch, no dress code, and best of all, no boss to answer to. But there are also many facets of business ownership that entrepreneurs must stay on top of. How To Finally Unlock Your True Potential And Discover The Secret To Lasting Success Did you know that there is one critical difference between average businesses and super-successful businesses? Many of the success experts who are quoted time and time again refer to this one common characteristic as the big differentiator between being mediocre and actually unlocking your true potential. Take a look at the following popular quotes and see if you can identify the common thread that ties them all together. 10 Marketing Tips For Your Business Here are a few ideas to get you started, all with low or no cost, which should especially help you in the early days of your business.This is by no means an exhaustive list, but is just a few ideas to start you off. The Seven Secrets of Top Performers Let's put to rest the fallacy that success, in sales or any profession, is due to luck, chance, and/or hard work. There is nothing further from the truth.
|
Akron City Directory
www.AccessFreedom.Does.It
www.Akron.Has.It
www.NoGas.Drives.It
|
 |
auction news and listings for Akron, Ohio Akron crafts and hobby news center Advertising and promotions Akron, Ohio The Akron blogging news center Akron Ohio web site design news Akron Mortgaging and refinancing Best Home Remedies and do it yourself tips
|
|
|
HOME |
SITE MAP
© 2012 - 2023 All Rights Reserved |
|
