With all the research and experiments conducted on how and
why people and animals change behavior, there should be an application to the
transfer of training within the corporate environment. And there is.
Behavioral researchers have concluded that there are multiple
factors that affect changes in behavior. Simply put, they are: commitment,
skills, environment, social norms, beliefs and feelings about the change, and
perceived ability to make the change.
Behavioral change on the job is analogous. Employees need to:
1. Believe in
the Relevance: Buy into the change because they are persuaded that
the change is in the company’s best interest and their own
2. Have the
Required Skills: Be trained in the necessary skills
3. Feel
Supported and Reinforced: Know that there is support throughout the company
4. Be Aligned:
Feel that there is alignment with company goals and values as well as
with their personal belief system
5. Observe
Positive Results: Have the confidence that they can indeed change and
improve
If you can design your training initiatives to cover the
above needs, you are well on your way to observing the new, desired behaviors
within your own corporate lab.
