Would You Like Cheese with that Whine?

Joe Wynne is a versatile Project Manager experienced in delivering medium-scope projects in large organizations that improve workforce performance and business processes. He has a proven track record of delivering effective, technology-savvy solutions in a variety of industries and a unique combination of strengths in both process management and workforce management.

 

Whenever those responsible for improving worker performance are asked to prove the value of their activities, a lot of whining is usually the result.

"It's just too difficult to calculate that!"

"Please don't complain--the training course is expensive because it is good quality--it's worth the cost and time away from work."

"We have to spend that long in class to get the proper amount of learning."

It's true that determining ROI for most performance improvement activities is difficult. Recent studies by the American Society for Training & Development, Thomson Learning and others, however, help us identify effective tactics for improving workforce performance and show us real corporate financial benefits for using those tactics.

Four Proven Tactics

Here are four proven, financially justifiable improvements to typical workforce training and development programs, along with what to expect in the way of push-back (the "whine") and recommendations for your firm but pragmatic response.

Take a "blended" approach to training

For a considerable improvement in speed and accuracy, shorten classroom training and add in complementary learning later. This can be a simple job aid, an electronic performance support system, real-world scenario practice, coaching or other method.

Rationale: A recent …

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