Why are we training?

When you develop training materials one of the most important questions to ask is simply; why train? The sponsor for the program has an agenda. Understanding that agenda is essential. The agenda may be latent and quite simple. However, a successful training instructional designer will have that agenda crystal clear in their mind.

Beware, sometimes a training sponsor suspects training is needed simply because the expected behaviors are not pervasive. If in fact the problem lies somewhere else like in the compensation program; then your wonderful training program still won’t have the impact the sponsor sought out.

Again the need to be crystal clear about the intent of the program and the dynamic factors around the program are essential to successful performance improvements. You need to either buy-in to sponsor’s agenda or coach the sponsor to a more enlightened perspective given your relative expertise.