Hi Skhadir,
Recwaits had requested for “some clue regarding how to train their soft skills” and we both agree that a proper TNA should be conducted rather than just identifying some training programs without appropriate analysis. A proper TNA is important but it is laborious and time-consuming. Depending on the size of the organization, it could take between one to three months. If the TNA is to be conducted in-house, the staff need to be trained (a TNA course is between 2-3 days with skills training) and there must be adequate personnel to conduct the TNA process. This is the reason why some organizations engage external consultants to conduct the TNA but some organization may not be prepared to pay. Consequently, some organizations choose the easy path to do some basic research or interviews and identify what they think are suitable training programs.
In many cases, this ad-hoc identification of training programs in lieu of a proper TNA will eventually prove to be inadequate.
What I suggested is that, if a proper TNA is not possible for whatever reasons, then do a simplified TNA. I wish to provide further explanation of this simplified TNA process which consists of 6 Steps:
Step 1 - Business Needs
- Identify what are the business needs for the Organization, Business Unit or Department
Step 2 - Performance Needs
- Identify what are the performance needs to achieve the desired results and business targets
Step 3 – Performance Issues
- Identify what are the performance issues/problems that are hindering the achievement of the Business and Performance Needs
Step 4 - Competency Needs
- Identify what competencies does the performer need to do the job/task
Step 5 - Learning Objectives/Needs
- Identify what knowledge, skills and beliefs they must learn to reduce the competency gap
Step 6 - Learning Solutions/Programs
- Identify what learning programs need to be designed or sourced, and delivered to meet learning needs
Thereafter, prepare the Training Calendar for the year.
I have attached herewith the simplified TNA together with an example.
Hope the above are of help.
Wong Yew Yip