How Can Performance Consulting Improve Business Outcomes?

Employee performance directly impacts the success of an organization so it is no surprise that 98% of businesses believe that performance management is important (1). What is surprising is that nearly half of organizations in a recent study felt that their performance management efforts needed some improvement (2).

For many businesses partnering with an organization that provides performance consulting has been an effective solution. In this article we are going to explain why and how performance consulting can help your organization achieve your business goals.

What is Performance Consulting?

Performance consulting is an approach that was designed specifically to help businesses improve employee performance. A performance consultant also known as an instructional designer, analyzes business goals and performance gaps. They use this information to create training programs that improve employee performance.

Whether your organization is struggling with poor customer reviews or a decrease in employee productivity, a performance consultant can utilize the performance consulting model to identify the best learning solutions to overcome these challenges.

The 3 Steps a Performance Consultant Takes to Improve Business Performance

The approach a performance improvement consultant takes can be broken down into 3 major steps. They begin by measuring performance problems and the impact they are having on the organization’s goals. The next step in the consulting process is to determine what learning goals will assist the company in achieving their business goals.

A process for improvement is designed in the form of an employee training program to achieve the goals. The final step is the measurement and analysis of the program results. To help you better stand the details of these steps and how they help organizations improve business results we have included the details below.

Measuring Performance Gaps and Aligning Learning Objectives with Business Goals

This step begins by analyzing the organizations current goals and the obstacles that need to be addressed to achieve them. These challenges vary from organization to organization. However, an example would be an insurance company that is looking to increase sales and customer satisfaction rates.

Upon review the consultant can find that many of the agents do not know enough about a few of the organizations offerings to be able to effectively assist customers. This is resulting in customer frustration as well as declining sales. The consultant is then able to use this information to design an effective solution. The consultant can create a fitting learning solution that addresses the product knowledge gaps that are currently hindering performance.

Designing Employee Training Programs to Improve Performance the of People

After identifying the specific knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to improve sales and customer satisfaction a program can be designed to meet those needs. A fitting solution for the example we mentioned earlier could come in the form of a product knowledge refresher course or another solution that addresses the knowledge gaps. These kinds of learning solutions if implemented directly can greatly impact performance results because they were designed around the desired outcome of improving sales.

Measuring and Fine Tuning

The most skilled consultants always take time to measure and fine tune the learning solutions to maximize their effectiveness. They track and observe data points to determine the ROI of the training program. They Implement surveys, track learner patterns and behavior. They use their findings to make any needed adjustments to increase the program’s effectiveness.

Using the same example, let us say that three learning modules were created to improve employee product knowledge. One of the 3 courses included a printable poster or job aid for reference. After tracking the results, they found that the knowledge retention rates were slightly higher for the program that included visual aids. The other 2 modules could then be modified to include printable job aids to maximize their effectiveness. Without measurement opportunities can easily be missed.

Final Note

If you are looking for a way to effectively improve employee performance partnering with a performance consultant to design a quality learning solution may be an option worth considering. Performance consultants have the skills abilities and strategy needed to develop business aligned learning solutions that drive business performance.

Learn more about employee development programs that improve business results and watch the webinar replay of Aligning L&D with Business Goals: An Outcomes Based Approach.