Using Virtual Training and Development Assistance
In many organizations, training and development activity is minimal. Besides thinking this activity is of low value, lack can also occur in financial hard times or because the organization cannot fund a position to carry on people development.
Due to today's technology, training and development activities can be outsourced virtually, using the Internet. This can be done to supplement existing in-house programs or as a cost-effective means to provide important people development without having to hire permanent staff to carry out this function.
In addition to cost-effectiveness, virtual training and development assistance provides objectivity through an outside source. Having a detached set of eyes to look at a situation or person allows for objective solutions that are best suited to answer issues, needs, and problems.
Here are some of the kinds of assistance that a virtual training and development source can provide:
Assessment questions and surveys can be developed aimed at measuring such things as the status of human resource development, or employee views on how the organization is doing at all levels. If personal interviews need to be conducted, these can be done through video conferences.
Once needs are established, training and coaching can be provided at a distance through seminars or one-on-one interventions using the Internet. The virtual assistance service can also develop materials and presentations that can be delivered on-site by members who are part of the organization.
Depending on how strong a performance management system exists in the organization, virtual development assistance can include the creation of clear job descriptions that include clear performance expectations, policy and procedure development, and employee handbook development. These areas are critical to the organization if successful recruitment and management of performance are to occur.
Management and leadership development can be enhanced through virtual assistance. Many times managers and leaders run into difficulty in developing their human resources and in managing the performance of those who answer to them. Coaching at a distance by someone who is not biased about the situation can be helpful.
Organizational structure can be assessed virtually. Sometimes the organization is growing but is unsure of how to expand its structure. Sometimes organizational contraction is called for in a downsizing effort. Virtual assistance providing developmental help can answer to both these possibilities.
The development and implementation of the organization's strategic planning effort can be facilitated through work with outside virtual assistance. Experience shows that often strategic plans do not get attention in implementation unless someone works across the organization making sure there is accountability for the tasks needing to be completed. Outside assistance can monitor the progress.
Whenever the organization cannot afford full-time personnel to ensure the issues discussed above are being worked on, the implementation of virtual training and development assistance can be a valuable alternative.
