The second module for our CPTM class this summer really dove right in to the heart of training! In this section we covered The Best Practices of High-Performing Training Organizations. This really motivated us once we saw the Training Industry’s process outlined right in front of us. It drives home the point that a well-informed and strategic Training Manager is an extremely valuable asset to any organization.
While the first module dealt with training’s past, present and possible future, this lesson showed us that training IS the future and with the right strategies, it will become a mainstay in every organization.
There are 8 capabilities of a great training organization and the most important (and a theme throughout the class), is Strategic Alignment. Why is this so important?
To prove your value in an organization and to move from training being a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’, you must strategically align yourself with the goals of the business. Make yourself indispensable! Get (and keep) your “seat at the table”. 
Training is used for 3 reasons, to reduce cost, to generate revenue and to mitigate risk. As the training manager, you must find out what your business’s goals are and make sure the things you are doing are making an impact on them. This will drive your value in the company as an essential aspect of the business.
“To add value, training must become an integral part of the business, working with business leaders to clearly define how training can support the business’s ability to achieve its goals.”
The 5 best practices to help be strategically aligned are to learn the business and culture, establish agreed upon objectives, develop consultative partnerships, define performance success metrics and customize training to fit your needs.
Ways that help get you there? Here are the other 7 capabilities:
- Diagnostics
- Content Development
- Content Delivery
- Reporting & Analysis
- Administrative Services
- Technology Integration
- Portfolio Management
Each of these was explained at length throughout the module. They may seem like a lot, but they work together as their own team and can make sure your training plan is comprehensive, transparent and successful.
-L&D thoughts
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