Maybe this is more of an ROI issue, but I'm hearing from a lot of training people who are relegated to observer when the enterprise decides to roll out some new system or initiative. The implementation committee or business unit brings in some "user training" consultancy that the software vendor or systems integrator escorts into the executive offices. How is this happening? Truth is that "user adoption" issues are the number 1 reason for failed implementations. It's probably happened before in your company and management just can't take that chance with this new ERP, CRM, SFA, HRIS, etc. implementation. So, in thinking, yes, I think this is about "training" impacting "performance improvement".

I started this discussion board so that we could all share our frustrations, stories, ideas and information about how to get the training team out of the bleachers and back onto the playing field.

Sean,

As you are experiencing, there is a big difference between buying things and investing in people. Enlightened leaders understand the need for both.

Leaders who act without the appropriate level of key stakeholder involvement (including the learning and development folks) do so at their own peril. In reality, they are merely delaying the resistance until the absolutely worst time it can happen....at implementation.

Obvious disconnects and opportunities for a seamless conversion are missed. Involving people early takes more time up front....but contributes to a smokin' implementation.

It is that simple. Pay me now or pay me later.