The following list is, at first glance, something of a ‘no-brainer’ for anyone who’s been in the learning and development space for more than five minutes. However, it’s all-too-easy to forget some of the basics…and the basics are, of course, the essential foundations on which success is built.

Here’s a list of ten of the ‘bare-basics’ of successful capability development…

1. Assess Training Needs: Conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify skill gaps and determine what training is necessary. This ensures the program is relevant and addresses specific individual, team, and organisational needs.
2. Set Clear Objectives: Define clear, measurable learning objectives for the training program. This helps in designing the content and evaluating the program’s effectiveness.
3. Customise Content: Tailor the training content to match the specific needs and culture of your organisation. Customised training is more engaging and relevant to the participants.
4. Leverage Technology: Utilise e-learning platforms, webinars, and other digital tools to make training accessible and flexible. This approach can accommodate different learning styles and schedules and can be used for pre, during, and post-workshop learning.
5. Engage Participants: Use interactive methods such as group discussions, role-playing, and hands-on activities to keep participants engaged and facilitate better learning retention.
6. Utilise Experienced Facilitators: Employ skilled workshop facilitators who are highly knowledgeable and experienced in the subject matter and can effectively communicate and connect with the audience.
7. Provide Ongoing Support: Offer post-training resources such as job aids, follow-up sessions, and access to mentors to reinforce learning and support the application of new skills.
8. Measure Effectiveness: Implement evaluation methods such as pre-and post-training assessments, feedback surveys, and performance metrics to measure the training’s impact and identify areas for improvement.
9. Encourage a Learning Culture: Foster an environment that values continuous learning and development. Encourage employees to take ownership of their professional growth.
10. Align with Organisational Goals: Ensure that the training program supports the overall strategic goals of the organisation. Training should contribute to achieving long-term business objectives and drive organisational success.