“Snapshot” 3-4 Day Visit
“In-house” training is a must for some companies due to the size of the company, number of employees, geographical location, specific work accomplished, or any number of other variables. These training divisions are usually self-sustaining and have been run that way for years. They have a monumental task and are usually very good at what they do, but the question lingers: “Is there something they might be doing better?”
Our visit is called, Snapshot and is designed to give helpful advice on what the training division is producing and how that subject matter is being presented. It’s an overall “snapshot” of the entire training department as seen by experienced outsiders. The information derived is for the benefit of your Director of Training or the requesting individual.
Why would this be warranted?
In most cases, evaluations are handed out to employees after training sessions to supply critical feedback for the trainers. However, those reviewing the training rarely have sufficient experience in the mechanics of professional training allowing for in-depth feedback. Although the training may have been received well, the question remains: “Was it given in the best way to be understood AND remembered?” Training is ineffective when expectations are not realized. Our focus is to monitor training operations and then advise trainers on how to provide information in a way that is not only well received, but also meets the expectations of management.
Snapshot is designed to observe several areas of the training department with as little intrusion as possible. In some cases the Director of Training may be the only one who knows this visit is planned so as not to skew results of the observation. Information will be gathered during the “normal operations” of the department.
Areas of interest covered during the visit:
Overall efficiency of the department- Proper staffing for the required material
- Methods used for subject matter presentations
- Trainer guidance material
- Employee workbooks / materials
- Time allocation for material
- Possible subject additions
- Supervisor and/or peer coaching
- Measuring results
- Information given at the proper level for the audience
- Right instructors for the different blocks of material
- Trainer observations
The final results of the visit are compiled into a report for the use of the Director of Training (or the person requesting the visit). The report is typically delivered electronically within 10 business days.
Keep in mind; this is an overall opinion of what is being done by the training division. It is not an evaluation to support a reorganization of the department or suggest a staff reduction. It is simply “another set of eyes” looking at the operation. Typically we find far more excellent work being done than issues needing to change or improve.
When was the last time someone from the outside your company just observed your training department?