Asked: When is the manager’s support most critical for the best outcomes in the transfer of learning?
Answered: I have been thinking about the question you asked about the timing of manager support for the transfer of training and have thrown the idea around with our other training consultants. Through our combined experience and a bit of other research, I think that we have a few items to share. Here is the short answer from Bob Pike:
Actually it begins before. There should be a conversation and learning contract before the participant comes to training. Part of that agreement sets up an after-training appointment to debrief and review the action plan. Ideally this is as soon after the training as possible so that both the manager and participant are in agreement about implementation and resources and support so that knowledge can be used and skills applied.
I also did a little extra research and have some other ideas that I am adapting from The Transfer of Training by John Newstrom and Mary Broad. We can think about the specific actions that a manager can take at each step in the training development process, which I have outlined below:
Before:
- Build transfer of training into supervisory performance standards
- Involve supervisors and trainees in needs analysis procedures
- Brief trainees on the importance of the training and on course objectives, content, process, and application to the job
- Review instructional content and materials
- Send co-workers to training together
- Plan to participate in training sessions
During:
- Communicate supervisory/managerial support for the program
- Recognize trainee participation
After:
- Give positive reinforcement
- Provide role models
- Revisit performance standards
- Discuss outcomes from the training as soon as possible
I know that this does not answer all of your questions regarding the metrics of “what will give the best outcomes,” but I think that this should help lay the framework of what can be possible.
Scott Enebo is a training consultant for The Bob Pike Group.
