Transform Training with the GOALS Framework
As an entrepreneur or business owner, have you ever noticed any of these signs after conducting employee training?
Employees make mistakes when performing new skills.
Employees seem confused about expectations even after training.
Employees pass your training but struggle when actually doing the job.
These are indications that your training program may have misalignments between components, reducing its effectiveness. Properly aligning the components of your training program is crucial for success. When done right, it leads to engaged learners who retain information and can immediately apply their new skills.
The benefits for your business include:
Increased productivity and efficiency
Reduced costs from mistakes and do-overs
Improved customer satisfaction
Higher employee retention rates
The GOALS Framework
Follow these 5 steps in the GOALS framework to create optimally aligned training programs that get real results:
Goals
Define what employees should be able to do after training by asking, “What are the desired real-world outcomes?”
Objectives
Break the goals down into specific, measurable objectives that state what the learner will be able to do. What specific skills will the employee need to perform to achieve the goal?
Assessment
Create assessments that gauge whether learners achieved the objectives. Ask, “How will I know if they met the objectives?”
Logically Organized Content
Determine the essential content learners need to pass the assessments. Ask, “What information is vital for success?” Leave out non-essential content. When in doubt, leave it out!
Strategies
Select engaging training activities and instructional methods that align with objectives and content. Ask, “How can I best teach this material to employees?”
Now let’s dive into these components in a little more detail, and remember, the key to effective instructional design is consistency!
Keep Objectives Aligned
Objectives are a key integrating and aligning element. Well-written objectives make it clear what learners should be able to do after training. Share objectives with employees so expectations are clear.
When creating assessments and content, continually check that they enable employees to meet the objectives. Objectives should link directly to your desired business goals for the training program.
Assess for Success
Design tests and assessments focused on the stated objectives. The assessment indicates whether training was successful, not how difficult you can make it. Aim for all learners to meet objectives, which is easier when assessments align.
Choose Essential Content
Resist the urge to overload employees with excessive information. Carefully curate content and only include what is essential for meeting objectives. Remember, “If it’s important enough to teach, it’s important enough to test.” Leave out tangential “nice-to-know” information.
Engage with Strategies
Tailor your training delivery strategies to the objectives and content. Blend explanations, demonstrations, opportunities to practice skills, and feedback. Use realistic scenarios and hands-on activities. Consider how to motivate employees and promote retention. Interactive applications and technology can augment in-person training, but don’t let bells and whistles distract from objectives.
Wrap-Up
By following the GOALS framework, you’ll create focused, streamlined training that drives employee success and business results. Alignment improves consistency, learning, and performance. Try this 5-step instructional design process for your next employee training program and watch your business benefit!
Is Your Business Growing But You Feel Like It’s Falling Apart?
Feeling the strain of business growth? You're not alone. Many successful businesses face these challenges. It's often the little things that cause big headaches. Suddenly, your tried-and-true methods don't work anymore, profits shrink, customers are complaining, and you're constantly firefighting.
The key lies in fine-tuning your systems to support your growth. My 3S Profit Optimizer framework helps to secure more clients, streamline operations, and supercharge scalability. I've helped numerous businesses overcome these hurdles, and I'd love to see how I can help you succeed.
Let’s minimize the growing pains and prevent them from reflecting poorly on your business. To learn how to have more freedom, more control, and more opportunities to earn income take action now and click below.
