Training & Development For Dummies

by Elaine Biech

Develop and deliver a robust employee training and development program

Training and Development For Dummies gives you the tools you need to develop a strong and effective training and development program. Covering the latest in talent development, this informative guide addresses classroom, virtual, and blended learning to open up your options and help you design the program that's right for your company. You'll explore the different modes of formal learning, including social learning, m-learning, and MOOCs, and delve into the benefits and implementation of self-directed and informal learning. The discussion covers mentoring and coaching, rotational and stretch assignments, and how to align talent development with the company's needs. You'll learn how to assess employee skills, design and deliver training, and evaluate each step of the process to achieve the goals of both the employee and the organization.

Most employees have some weaknesses in their skill sets. A robust training program allows you to strengthen those skills, and a development program brings all employees up to the highest possible level of productivity and success. This book helps you create consistency in your company by developing and delivering the exact training and development program your people need.

Develop a strong training and development program Foster a supportive and innovative work environment Learn about social learning, m-learning, and MOOCs Assess and evaluate your staff more effectively

A great training and development program boosts performance, productivity, job satisfaction, and quality of services, while reducing costs and supervision. Investing in your employees gives an excellent ROI, as talent development is a primary driver behind both motivation and loyalty. Training and Development For Dummies shows you how to reap these benefits, with step by step guidance and essential expert insight.

Genres: Education

456 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2015

About the author

She is the author and editor of over fifty books

Reviews

[Susanna Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was for work but it was cool acknowledging how an older generation varies in being taught and their resources available to them in the past!

[Frieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great overview of the training cycle process for people who are new to the staff training role. I loved how the author combined adult learning theory and how to apply its concepts to the design and execution of the trainings, whether in-person or virtually. Considering that more companies have shifted to virtual trainings, I recommend that this book be updated to reflect that and provide more strategies to create engaging virtual training sessions.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaine Biech is a rock star in the world of training and development. When I saw she wrote this book, I took a deep breath and got over my aversion to "For Dummies" brand.

I reread because when I previously read in 2011, before the 2015 addition. Also, I had recommended to a colleague and was reading it to discuss and support her learning.

This is a great guide to ground someone in learning theory. The latest addition did include updates on technology and virtual training. If someone is just starting to dip their toe into training, her check lists of how to prepare, and ensure your success are very good.

[Juan Jacobo Bernal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to express how many nuggets of wisdom I extracted from this book. It will continue to influence my practice for years to come. Highly recommended for Learning & Development professionals.

[Khalish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to understand the basics of training and development, and very practical book.

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼]

~ Review copy

Let me say from the outset that I knew nothing about Training and Development on a professional level until I read this book. Which is precisely why I wanted to read this book. I have worked, you see, in a number of industries over the years, from the lowliest grunt to being an account exec, from punch press operator in an a/c grill company to Oil & Gas to Reinsurance, and I somehow never came to study or understand the role of T&D folks. Now I feel I have a good understanding, and this Dummies book is what gave me a great overview.

What I liked about this book was the standard Dummies format. I'm familiar with it and know what to expect. This book is also one of the better ones I've read. The writing is VERY good and engaging. Note though that I started out at a zero place and can't really comment on what someone who has worked as a Trainer would think. I imagine though, as with most Dummies books that it will benefit novices and those with just a year or so under their belts; rather than someone who has worked in the industry for years and who has been attending seminars to keep themselves sharp.

What I valued was getting a good solid grasp of what Trainers do and how they do it. I also know that some of the content contained herein could be used by other professions. For example there's a section on presentations: How to turn a lecture into active learning. How to memorize names or fake it. And yes, Looking at 6 Disastrous Debuts.

This is one of the best For Dummies books that I've encountered.