Learning Paths

Learning Paths is a down-to-earth practical resource that is filled with illustrative examples, methods, techniques, strategies, processes, and tools for making company-wide, real-time training possible. Created to be flexible, the Learning Path approach can be customized to fit your organization no matter what its type or size. Learning Paths is divided into three sections:

The Learning Path Methodology: Walks the reader through the major steps and strategies needed for building Learning Paths.

Doing the Right Training: Offers a wide-range of strategies, methods and techniques that can be targeted to the training within a Learning Path and tied to an organization’s particular business needs.

Do the Training Right: Shows how to ensure the training within a Learning Path is delivered in the most cost-effective manner and introduces methods for structuring training so that it transfers to the job easily and effectively.

Contents of the CD-ROM xiii

Foreword xvii

Acknowledgments xxi

Introduction 1

Part I The Learning Path Methodology 7

Chapter 1 From Graduation Day to Independence Day 11

Chapter 2 Getting Started 27

Chapter 3 Measuring Time to

Chapter 4 Mapping Learning Paths 57

Chapter 5 Finding Quick Hits 73

Chapter 6 Accelerating Learning Paths 89

Chapter 7 Transition and Maintenance 111

Chapter 8 Managing Learning Path Projects 123

Part II Doing the "Right Training" 145

Chapter 9 Building Proficiency Models 147

Chapter 10 Developing Top Performers 157

Chapter 11 Connecting to Business Needs 169

Chapter 12 Capturing Content 187

Presentations 188

Part III Doing the "Training Right" 197

Chapter 13 Selecting Training Methods 199

Chapter 14 Establishing Managers as Coaches 209

Chapter 15 Building Directed Self-Study 221

Chapter 16 Creating the New Classroom Experience 231

Introductions 233

Team Building 234

Practice Activities 235

Real Situations 237

Games 237

Compliance 237

Follow-Up 239

Summary 239

A Final Note 241

Frequently Asked Questions 245

Tool Kit 251

Resources 271

Index 279

About the Authors 285

How to Use the CD-ROM 287

Pfeiffer Publications Guide 289

"Learning Paths hits the bulls eye to become more accountable in the companies we work in." (OD/Leadership Network News; 1/3/2005)

Jim Williams is a training and development leader with more than twenty years experience creating and implementing training solutions to support organizational change and growth initiatives first at IBM and then at General Electric.
They can be reached at www.LearningPathConsultants.com.

Steve Rosenbaum is a consultant who has worked with America's leading companies including Disney, Dupont, Ceridian, GE Capital CarlsonWagonlit Travel, and Allina Health Systems to help them design, develop, and implement creative training solutions.

Using this indispensable resource, your organization can map out and implement the revolutionary Learning Path training approach–a method that can reduce the start-up time for your new employees by 30% and guarantees measurable bottom-line results.

Learning Paths is a down-to-earth practical resource that is filled with illustrative examples, methods, techniques, strategies, processes, and tools for making company-wide, real-time training possible. Created to be flexible, the Learning Path approach can be customized to fit your organization no matter what its type or size. Learning Paths is divided into three sections:

• The Learning Path Methodology: Walks the reader through the major steps and strategies needed for building Learning Paths.
• Doing the Right Training: Offers a wide-range of strategies, methods, and techniques that can be targeted to the training within a Learning Path and tied to an organization’s particular business needs.
• Do the Training Right: Shows how to ensure the training within a Learning Path is delivered in the most cost-effective manner and introduces methods for structuring training so that it transfers to the job easily and effectively.

In addition, the book answers frequently asked questions and contains a CD-ROM that includes a PowerPoint presentation of the Learning Paths process and the forms and templates needed to help you build and implement the Learning Paths.

"This is the first real critical look at training that I have seen in 20 years. Every HR leader needs to read this book."
--Allan H. Kennel, senior vice president of human resources, retired, GE

"If you want to make your strategy work, this is the formula for success. The process, systems and tools are practical and effective."
--Edward Robbins, director of performance learning, Ceridian-Lifeworks Services

"As an educator for the last 30 years, I was really impressed. Very innovative! I can’t wait to share it with the CEOs on our foundation board."
--Nick Maras, vice president of institutional advancement, Century College

"I've already started using many of the strategies in this book with my clients. It's a great methodology for any OD consultant."
--James Lynn, organizational psychologist, Lynn & Associates