What is the training for?
It seems crazy that I even have to write this, but I’ve asked this question of L&D practitioners in the past, and they have been unable to give me a straight answer. They weren’t sure because they were on autopilot – doing what they have always done.
So, what is it for?
- Behaviour change?
- Compliance?
- Onboarding?
- Emergency response?
- An operational licence?
- Future bench strength?
- Staff morale?
- A senior manager’s whim?
- Tradition?
Now ask a harder question: What would happen if you stopped delivering it from tomorrow?
Not what might happen in theory.
Stop and examine your answer. Is this really true?
What would actually happen?
Who would notice?
What would go wrong?
When?
Be honest. Test your answer. Is there evidence for it, or are you defending an assumption?
Some training is essential. Some training continues because nobody has had the courage to stop it.
If nothing meaningful would happen, why are you still doing it?
