This was originally posted on eLearning Industry on June 18, 2019
Why Build Training Internally? Tips For Developing Successful Programs
As training and development needs arise, it’s easy to think that they’re best handled in-house. And sometimes, they are. Just like you might be less likely to take your car to a mechanic to replace a turn signal bulb or change a flat tire, you may not need an expert to tell your company how to fix a problem. But sometimes, your company’s exhaust starts to sputter, the check engine light flashes, and a problem is too large or deep to coordinate an appropriate response internally. That’s when you call a mechanic—a certified pro that has the tools and expertise to fix complex problems. Trusting training consultants like those at AllenComm can give you better training with faster results and happier employees if you decide to build your training internally.
So, before starting a simple oil change that turns into a major company engine overhaul, it’s a good idea to take a second and reflect on a few key factors that can undermine the effectiveness of any corporate training or development programs you’re considering. Here are a few questions we recommend you to ask yourself:
Do You Have The Expertise?
If an issue is simple enough, who better than your L&D or HR teams to guide and instruct employees? They understand the company, the culture, and the specifics because they’re on-site and on the front lines. However, sometimes in-house teams might be unable to step back and accurately assess a problem; training may require a level of analysis and skill they simply aren’t equipped to handle.
Two tools that improve your training and development programs exponentially—as well as increase the knowledge retention and efficacy of the training process for your learners—are needs analysis and performance mapping. A needs analysis takes your organization through an extensive research process designed to help thoroughly investigate problems, unearth the root of an issue, and blueprint a viable solution that’s tailored-made to fit your company. Performance mapping takes data from the needs analysis to help you identify and understand your challenges; ensuring that training is thorough, efficient, and results-driven. By outlining specific goals, behaviors, and skills, performance mapping allows a company to train with a purpose. When they’re done right, these two tools help create training programs that complement company culture and dynamics. If your L&D team is unfamiliar with these tools, it may be time to outsource a solution.
Do You Have The Time?
Sometimes, a training goal is so specific that your organization can handle it without investing too much energy. But if your internal team is spread a bit too thin to devote work hours to address a problem on top of training employees [1], it may be time to call in dedicated professionals to take the job off your plate. Outsourcing offers much-needed breathing room for teams to tackle other internal projects that may be just as pressing. Training challenges have a nasty habit of being more systemic—requiring more time to assess and fix them than you presumed. Small groups with finite hours to spare gain back valuable time by outsourcing training. Plus, when experts are devoted to the singular job of training, the solution is generally much more effective.
Sending The Right Message To Your Employees
The best organizations to work for are the ones who understand the value of investing in employee training [2]. Showing your workforce that you’re willing to devote time and resources for their professional development sends a powerful message. It also tells your workforce that stakeholders aren’t so nearsighted that they can’t recognize when it’s time to seek help from outside the organization. These reasons alone are compelling arguments for outsourcing. Whatever the solution you decide, keep in mind that your next training initiative should be one that truly makes an impact for both the learner and your business.
So, where does this leave you? Are you confident you have the expertise, time, and resources available to build a training program that offers your company the best solution for developing employees? If the answer is no, or you think you might need some guidance in assessing your needs, feel free to ask for a consultation from an industry expert. They’ll take a deep dive into your needs to create a custom performance solution that delivers real-world, measurable results with your company’s unique culture and brand in mind. They’ll work with you to weigh your options and make sure you’ve got what you need to build a successful program that’s as effective and engaging as it is efficient. Every solution experts create is designed for long-term, positive impact—not just on your employees, but on your bottom line.
References:
[1] Take Time To Train Your Employees
[2] Developing Your Employees Is The Key To Retention — Here Are 4 Smart Ways To Start
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