The way we work is drastically different than just a year ago. Business models have shifted, new technology and safety protocol have been put in place. This has created a high demand for reskilling and for programs that focus on employee development. For most, an entirely new L&D plan is needed to meet these changing needs.
For many outsourcing with a performance, improvement consultant is a solid step towards developing an effective strategy for 2021. Performance consulting is designed to focus on improving the performance of people to help organizations achieve these goals. The performance consulting process can be broken down into 3 critical stages that assist businesses in developing effective strategies for this year and beyond.
Creating Business Aligned Learning Initiatives
The first stage is the accurate measurement of an organization’s current gaps in performance. This stage provides needed insights as to what learning objectives will best improve performance and help the organization reach its goals.
The data from the first stage lays the foundation for the second stage, where the data is used to design business-aligned learning programs.
Implementation and analysis is the third and final stage. This is where the training programs and initiatives are carefully put into place. The final stage is also when levels of evaluation are put into place so opportunities for improvement can be identified and acted on.
- Measuring Performance Gaps
One of the advantages of working with a performance consultant is that they have will have a strategic performance consulting model in place to identify gaps in performance. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data is gathered in this phase. Employee performance gaps are measured with analytics, surveys and questionnaire. A consultant will use this process to identify which performance problems need to be addressed in order for the organization to achieve its business goals.
- Using Data to Design Learning
During this stage consultants and instructional designers develop training programs using the data that was gathered. They select the most suitable training formats that will effectively facilitate the learning process.
For example, if an insurance company recently introduced a new line of services regarding auto insurance, the company would need to train its service representatives. A product training program would ensure they could provide quality service and accurate information for customers.
However, the representatives are now working from home. The consultant would help to design a program that focuses on the learning objectives that would improve business and performance, but they would also select the most suitable training delivery methods to engage learners. The consultant may suggest a mobile training program with printable job aids.
- Implementation and Analysis for Optimization
A performance consultant will not only assist you in designing business-aligned learning programs but will also assist you in implementing a strategic process for regular evaluation.
It is now more important than ever before to integrate effective measurement into the business process. The modern business environment is disruptive and constantly changing. Regular evaluation will strengthen the process of improvement by giving you an opportunity to make changes as needed.
Regularly updating your training programs to suit your changing business needs will significantly improve organizational performance.
Final Word
Today developing a rock-solid post Covid19 learning strategy is essential for future business success. Outsourcing can help you improve job performance and implement training that produces business results. A performance consultant can help you create a business-aligned learning strategy to improve employee performance and increase business agility as your company moves forward this year.
Learn more about the benefits of outsourcing and read the eBook, Managed Learning Outlook 2021.
