Is Training Needed? - the Ultimate Decision Tool

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“We need more training” Managers everywhere

When problems happen at work, the first thing people often say is “We need (more) training”. But training is not always the answer to rectifying problems or preventing them from happening again. And it is not always the best way to get people to take actions they are not taking now.

Decision process: Do we need training?

Follow the process below to help decide if you need to conduct training.

First, identify what action you want people to take, then consider why they are not taking that action. Is it because of the work environment, a lack of knowledge, a lack of skills or a lack of motivation?

If there are problems in the work environment, such as a bad working culture, then training is unlikely to be effective on its own. However, training exercises could be considered if they are designed to help address cultural problems.

Other environmental conditions that could be preventing people from taking the desired action should be considere…