Use Assessments to Join the 10 Percent Who Succeed

When you consider how much money is spent on training in today’s corporations, it is astonishing that about 90% of training initiatives are doomed to failure. While that may sound like hyperbole, it is based upon over 800 training measurement projects and responses from hundreds of business leaders over the last 17 years.

Wouldn’t you like to claim membership in the 10% that succeed? And what is it about the successful 10% that can be replicated?

Our experience over the last few decades has taught us just what elements are critical in order for training to produce considerably more than the typical new insight or two.

1. Relevance: The first necessity is that the training matter…that it has a real purpose in the business context and is supported by all key stakeholders.
2. Transfer of Training: The second is that training not just be an exercise or represent a day off from the job…it must be transferred back to the workplace and improve on-the-job productivity.
3. Measurable Impact: The third is that you need to be able to prove to yourself and others who need to be pulled along that the training has had a positive impact on the business and their performance…that the training has made a measurable difference.

The surest way to ensure all three is to start with a targeted training needs assessment. Unless you have a clear and compelling picture of the current reality versus your desired destination, it is difficult to start off on the right foot.

Done right, an assessment should initiate the change and design process, align leadership and employees, pinpoint skill gaps against a proven standard, and set baseline metrics for success.