Use this checklist of questions in order to establish when there is a training and development need and how best to address it. This checklist is written for a discussion about one individual’s training needs, but the questions can be adapted to apply to a group of people.
What is the shortfall in the individual’s performance?
How does this shortfall hinder the achievement of organizational goals?
What specifically is the gap between the desired standard and their performance?
How often does this occur?
When does it occur?
What evidence do you have of this shortfall?
How reliable is this?
How important is it to overcome the performance discrepancy?
What would happen if it were not addressed?
What would be the benefit if the performance shortfall were addressed?
Why do you think this shortfall is occurring?
What changes have there been in the work environment that might have brought about this shortfall?
Is the individual aware of the performance standards expected of him/her?
How does the individual get feedback on his/her performance?
What skills does the individual currently have?
Are the person’s skills adequate for the standards expected of them?
Does the person have the desired skills but does not apply them?
If so, why is this?
How often does the person use the skill?
How long does the person use the skill?
What prevents the individual from performing?
What is the consequence of the individual currently not performing?
What personal reward or satisfaction is individual currently gaining from non-performance?
What might motivate the individual to want to overcome the shortfall?
What are the specific learning objectives that an intervention needs to address?
What solutions have already been tried?
What are the solutions that address the problem?
Is there a simpler solution than training and development?
What is the person’s learning style?
Which solutions are the most practical?
Which solutions are the most cost-effective?
Which solutions are the most feasible?
Reproduced by permission from HRD Press, Inc., Compendium of Questionnaires and Inventories, Volume 2, Cook, Sarah.
