Off the Shelf Learning

Is it appropriate to offer non-customized training at times? Yes. We call this off-the-shelf learning. There are occasions when people need to become familiar with concepts at broader levels (i.e. basic communication skills, conflict management, presentation skills, assertiveness, time management, personality styles, basic grammar, etc.) Even so, we still relate the concepts and role-plays to on-the-job applications, complete with participant action planners.

When is off-the-shelf learning appropriate?

When learning objectives need not align with organization-specific strategic initiatives
When a variety of experience or participant skill levels will not impact the effectiveness of the program
When generic role-plays provide sufficient opportunity for processing information because the principles are universally applicable
When the skills needed are important to performance measures, but not essential to specific mission-critical initiatives.
When you need training fast!