How do you troubleshoot training problems?

1 Assess the problem

The first step to troubleshoot training problems is to assess the situation and find out what exactly is going wrong. Is the problem with the content, the delivery, the participants, the environment, or something else? You can use various methods to gather feedback and data, such as surveys, interviews, observations, tests, and evaluations. Try to be objective and specific, and avoid jumping to conclusions or blaming anyone.

2 Identify the root cause

The next step is to identify the root cause of the problem and understand why it is happening. Sometimes, the problem may be obvious, such as outdated or inaccurate information, technical glitches, or lack of resources. Other times, the problem may be more complex, such as unclear objectives, mismatched expectations, poor communication, or resistance to change. You can use tools like the 5 Whys technique, the fishbone diagram, or the SWOT analysis to dig deeper and find the underlying factors.

3 Implement a solution

Once you have identified the root cause of the problem, you can start implementing a solution that addresses it effectively. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, you may need to make minor adjustments, such as revising the content, changing the format, or providing more support. Or you may need to make major changes, such as redesigning the curriculum, switching the trainer, or postponing the session. Whatever solution you choose, make sure it is aligned with your goals, feasible, and measurable.

4 Evaluate the results

The final step is to evaluate the results of your solution and see if it has solved the problem or not. You can use the same methods and metrics that you used to assess the problem, and compare the before and after data. You can also ask for feedback from the trainer, the participants, and the stakeholders, and see if they are satisfied with the outcome. If the problem is solved, you can celebrate your success and document your learnings. If the problem persists, you can go back to the previous steps and try a different solution.

5 Prevent future problems

Troubleshooting training problems is not only about fixing them, but also about preventing them from happening again. You can use your experience and insights to improve your training design, delivery, and evaluation processes, and avoid making the same mistakes. You can also create a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where you encourage feedback, collaboration, and innovation. By doing so, you can ensure that your training is always relevant, engaging, and effective for your employees.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?