24 Key Questions to Ask Before Investing in Training Programs

Training is not a one-size-fits-all process.

If you’ve worked at a mid-size to large organization, you’ve likely encountered a formal training program of some kind. Employee training that facilitates skills-building beyond the onboarding period falls under the umbrella of continuous improvement. Defined as the ongoing improvement of products, services or processes through incremental changes, continuous improvement is a familiar concept in the manufacturing and healthcare industries, though it can be applied in any professional setting.

If your organization’s leadership is currently seeking continuous improvement solutions, it’s likely that past efforts have failed to sustain or achieve desired results. It’s also possible that previous programs have focused solely on practical skills, and left problem-solving, interpersonal skills and safety training behind. Also forgotten may be documented processes and procedures that establish continuous improvement throughout an organization. Whatever the missing component, incomplete improvement efforts tend to degrade over time.

It’s also true that not every solution or training partner will be right for every organization — so it pays to prepare questions that will help you identify the right fit. Use this resource as a guide during your next consultation with a potential coaching or training partner.