Targeted Training
- By Sandy Staebell (about the author)

Some employers take a generic or broad approach to training. Instead of considering what an employee actually NEEDS to know or learn to successfully perform their job requirements, they sit them down in front of a computer with a
A broad, generic approach to training can be costly and ineffective. long list of training programs that are generic enough to apply to almost everyone in the company. Putting all your employees through the same, vast span of training may seem like the easiest way to cover all your training bases, but in the end, it can be costly and ineffective.

Let’s face the facts; the broader the audience, the less specific and detailed the
training program can be. In order to cater to all levels of competency and job relevancy, the training becomes simplified and diluted to the point of being ineffective.In addition, putting employees through training they don’t need is a waste of time and money and frustrating to those forced to endure subjects that are not relevant to their position. Targeted Training

Training that is targeted, based on the actual tasks performed and knowledge needed by the employee, is the most effective way of achieving a high level of job performance.

To cultivate an effective, productive employee, you need a highly focused, individualized training plan. You must assess both the position and the employee in order to:
Determine the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the tasks required for the position.
Uncover the gaps where the employee lacks sufficient skills or knowledge.
Highly focused, individualized training is the most effective.

You need to identify the skills required for the position and areas where the employee is lacking sufficient skills. During your assessment/gap analysis, be sure to consult with the employee, their direct manager/supervisor, their peers, etc. Sometimes, their opinions of what skills and knowledge is needed can be quite different. Keep in mind, developing a good
understanding of what skills and knowledge an employee needs to perform the job they hold can be a lengthy process. Even though you perform a gap analysis, some gaps are only discovered over time.

The bottom line is that very few employees embody all the aptitudes required for the jobs they hold and therefore, will need training to strengthen their skills.
Training focused on individual needs, rather than general ideas is critical to success. Training focused on specific, individual needs, rather than generalized ideas is critical to the success of the employee and ultimately the company.

Targeted training:
• Saves time and money.
• Gets implemented and used more than generic training because it’s relevant.
• Is more effective at developing competent employees.

Targeted, accurately-focused training helps you and your employees hit the bull’s-eye on your performance goals every time.
Bullseye



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