Congratulations, Everyone Clicked ‘Next’: Why Training Completion Is Not Project Success
Carmia is a workforce development professional, talent development and organizational effectiveness leader, learning strategist, and retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant.
During my Air Force career, certain training returned every year with the dependability of a calendar reminder—and about the same level of excitement. Much of it was computer-based training: click, read, click, answer a question, check the completion meter, and repeat until freedom (or at least 100 percent) appeared on the screen.
That does not mean all required training was forgettable. One cybersecurity course became legendary because its scenarios were relevant, memorable, and surprisingly entertaining. When it was replaced, people actually asked for it back. Imagine that: employees campaigning for the return of mandatory training.
After retiring and moving into other organizations, I encountered the same familiar experience: being held captive by a course while watching the completion meter like it was counting down to release. Those experiences shaped how I approached every training project I later developed or facilitated. I did not want people to merely go through it. I wanted them to leave with something they could use.
A Completed Course Is Not a Completed Outcome
Project managers know how satisfying it is to mark a deliverable complete. The course launched. Attendance was recorded. The required percentage of employees finished. The dashboard turned green. Congratulations, everyone clicked “Next.”
But the course is only the deliverable.…
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I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas. - Jack Handey |
