You’ve probably seen it too. A learning programme launches with crisp business goals on the slide deck, the kind sponsors love to sign off. Everyone nods, confident we’re all heading in the same direction.
Then the learners arrive and set their own goals… and they don’t quite match. Someone wants to “feel more confident.” Another plans to “improve teamwork.” Good goals, but not the ones the sponsor had in mind when they signed the budget.
That’s the quiet leak where impact drips away. The learner goals and programme goals never really meet.
I’ve found it helps to get three conversations happening early: sponsor, manager, participant. If everyone knows what success looks like before the course begins, and can describe it in plain language, it’s much easier for individuals to shape their own goals so they feed the bigger picture.
So, how clear are your programme goals right now? Do managers and participants see the same headline outcomes you do? Would your sponsor instantly recognise success if they saw it?
This week, pick one upcoming programme and test that alignment. And not just alignment of goals, but also alignment on what people will notice when those goals are achieved.
A short chat between those three parties before launch can save a lot of fixing later.
When the goals line up, the results tend to follow.
