Identifying Training Needs

When looking for methods to identify training needs within your company, a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) is the best practice to undertake. Understanding what end results you want is key to selecting the most effective training programs.

Evaluation of Company Needs

Before embarking on selecting training programs and a provider, the TNA will ensure that you have thoroughly clarified what your business performance currently looks like, why you want to undertake a training program, who needs it, what they need and where or when it will take place.

Undertaking The TNA

Some methods of conducting a TNA include observing your teams and/or individuals, conducting interviews and administering questionnaires, holding problem-solving seminars, performing appraisals and identifying "drive patterns" -- that is, what motivates people to behave in certain ways. Using a combination of techniques will make sure that you have achieved a full needs analysis.

Current Trends In Training Courses

According to HumaNext, some of the top training courses being selected in 2010 include "Employee Engagement During Tough Times," "Leadership," "Compliance and Ethics," "Managing Generational Differences," "Innovation" and "Mentoring and Coaching."

Training for your teams should not only improve performance (and thus revenue) but must also reflect the new world of business in which companies operate. Identifying needs, therefore, must align with the reality of modern workplaces.

References

• Directory Journal: How to Conduct a Training Needs Analysis: June 2007
• HumaNext LLC: Top 10 Training Trends in 2010