Demonstrated ROI for Training and Development

Question:  I sometimes feel when I send my employees to a training session or any other developmental activity, its not guaranteed that they’re going to make changes or apply what they learned.  How can I ensure I’m getting a return on my investment in training and development?”

Answer:  “That’s an excellent question and one which is increasingly relevant in today’s atmosphere of tight budgets.  Something you should insist on is a “show and tell” after every training session or seminar, by each employee who attended.  It can be an informal briefing alone in your office, or you can have employees share with their team members a synopsis of the things they learned which they feel the others would benefit from knowing.  Ask specific questions such as “What did you learn that you will be applying in your day-to-day activities?  “How will you interface with our clients differently as a result of what you learned?” Lastly, track their progress toward the goals stated, and review it with the employee periodically; don’t just wait until a formal review either.  It’s important that we give feedback continuously to our team members.  Similar tips and pointers are contained within my COACH program for managers

“I’m learning that what’s important is not so much what I do to make a living as who I become in the process.”Joan Anderson author of “A Year By the Sea”

Resources for Self-Discovery

Visit our  Tools and Approaches link  to read about the Career Planning Insights tool and the value of O*NET as a resource:

About O*NET http://www.onetcenter.org

The nation’s primary source of occupational information, the database contains information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors. Continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation the information from this database anchors the O*NET OnLine, an interactive application for exploring and searching occupations. The database provides the basis for Career Exploration Tools, a set of valuable assessment instruments for people exploring career change

Repacking Your Bags, Lighten Your Load for the Rest of Your Life.   Richard J. Leider, and David A. Shapiro.  Berrett-Koehler Publishers, San Francisco, 1995.

Cure For The Common Life, Max Lucado offers practical tools for exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, motivation to put your strengths to work, and the perfect prescription for finding and living in your sweet spot. Practical assessment tools included in the back of the book apply the powerful principles of Cure for the Common Life. Includes Sweet Spot Discovery Guide by People Management International, Inc. The “My S.T.O.R.Y.” evaluation helps you clarify your abilities.

 Strengths Finder 2.0   Tom Rath  Gallop Press 2007 $19.95 Rooted in 40 years of research this assessment has helped millions discover and develop their natural talents.