It’s that time of year again – March Madness is culminating with an exciting weekend of NCAA playoff basketball. Over the next few days, millions will tune in to watch the best-of-the-best in college basketball compete in the “Final Four” shootout, to win the coveted title of NCAA tournament winner. The remaining teams in the tournament are the best in the nation, and the same approach they take to prepare for the big games - finding the right mix of game plan strategy, talent, and performance optimization - can be applied to developing, implementing and executing a winning corporate training strategy.
In honor of March Madness, we offer Raytheon Professional Services (RPS) “Final Four” Training Essentials: Proactive Workforce Development; Performance Analytics; Optimized Training Solutions and High Consequence Training. We cover these programs and more in our recent blog post: What Matters Most to the Training Industry in 2015.
2. Proactive Workforce Development
Just as these elite basketball teams forecast upcoming player needs and actively recruit to back fill the gaps on
their teams, organizations need to apply that same thinking to their workforce development efforts. By
proactively identifying team strengths and weaknesses, skills gaps and the most appropriate talent and
training programs to fill anticipated needs, they can ensure an agile, high performance workforce. For more
on this, see our related post: Exploring vs. Exploiting: Creating a Performance Revolution.
3. Performance Analytics
Understanding how best to parse and use performance data allows organizations to better measure the
outcomes of training programs, create business centric learning strategies, and ensure overall workforce
performance. Analyzing available data can expose the strengths and weaknesses of a team or organization
based on the numbers behind the performance. In the NCAA Finals, this is akin to analyzing a player’s statistics
to determine the value he brings to the team. By breaking down points, rebounds and assists per game it is
easy to show a player’s overall contribution. The same can be true for workforce performance data and
assessments. Learn more about this important category here:
Drive Superior Learning Outcomes: Steer With Performance Data Analytics.
4. Optimized Training Solutions
When it comes to training solutions and game-day preparation, a one-size-fits-all approach is very seldom
successful. On the basketball court, and in identifying appropriate training solutions, a customized game plan
needs to be crafted to address shortcomings and capitalize on team assets. On and off the court, training
programs that are specifically tailored to needs are much more likely to result in positive outcomes. At
Raytheon Professional Services (RPS) we offer a wide range of custom training solutions that are optimized to
meet the specific training needs of our customers and ensure a successful end result. Whether they are looking
to increase efficiency, reduce cost, ensure compliance, increase safety, or build a more comprehensive and
transformational approach to learning – we help them find the right mix for their needs.
5. High Consequence Training
It is imperative that organizations (and teams) prepare for those circumstances that can have the greatest
impact on outcomes. Some of the scenarios are known, or expected, and some are not. This is why teams
devote large amounts of time to practicing for any circumstance that may arise. They have coordinated plays
in place and put their best-suited players on the court for each tip off. They are prepared to go up against
teams they’ve faced before, and those that they haven’t. No matter whether it’s a star player out with a
season-ending injury, disruptive weather conditions, or a potentially damaging security breach, high
consequence training can help teams manage or eliminate risk. Implementing effective operating procedures
is essential for successfully handling disruptions – especially when the stakes are high. Read more on the topic
here: High Consequence Training: What It Is and Who Needs It.
6. A Winning Training Strategy
While certain aspects of your team making it to the final NCAA playoff game may be out of your control, the
power to create a winning training strategy is definitely in your hands. Being proactive about your workforce
development efforts, ensuring you take advantage of performance analytics, and optimizing training
programs will help meet your organization’s specific training needs. This will also create a team that is
prepared for anything, including situations that may require High Consequence Training.
