A training needs assessment is often something that many organizations overlook. Sometimes we assume the needs are obvious, but with the money that training takes it is best to get all the detail up front in order to design the most effective training possible.

Training programs can even be targeting a problem where training is not the solution. Sometimes there are other factors or issues that may be the problem. Unless you take the time to research and plan, then the training is not going to be as effective!

In today's economical climate, training is viewed as a line item on the budget. In order to help leaders see the value of training you must first find out what exactly they expect the training to achieve. 

Unfortunately we cannot read their minds or assume that they will see the value that the learning will bring to the organization. We must ask specific questions to find out what they believe the learning needs to be. Not only do we need to learn find out the learning needs, but also what the result of the performance after the training is expected to be.

It is always important to manage expectations up front, because as a trainer, you do not want to walk into a losing battle. 

A training needs assessment sounds like a fancy and intimidating term, but it's really easy to put in place a system for planning training that can be scaled to any project. 

There are many factors that will impact the success of the training in the organization...culture, management buy-in, employee attitudes, expectations, budget, and the design of the training. However, before you can begin to design an effective training it is important to dig deeper and make sure that all the ducks are in line to help you deliver a more effective training.

You should involve as many people as possible who have an opinion or stake in the training outcomes! Most importantly you need to find out how the people who will be trained feel about the training development! Sometimes simply interviewing or talking to people can go a long way!

Visit my blog for more information on conducting a training needs assessment.
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