After a career as a corporate officer, I have started a consultancy training corporation in business development. I am looking for sources of information on the implementation of training. Once an individual has attended a training session, what types of implementation models create changes in behavior resulting in new performance milestones. In sports, this would be practicing a new actvity until it becomes a new habit (muscle memory). Are there books, article, etc. that I can review?

Lots of good books... what have you looked into already?

Try High Impact Learning (Brinkerhoff) and The Accelerated Learning Handbook (Meier).

Usual disclaimers apply.

Thanks for your suggestions. I have just ordered two books: The Accelerated Learning Handbook: A Creative Guide to Designing and Delivering Faster, More Effective Training Programs by Dave Meier and Learning Paths : Increase Profits by Reducing the Time It Takes Employees to Get Up-to-Speed. (I believe that these were both recommendations that you had made to another ASTD Discussion Board) I will also get the Brinkeroff book as well.
When I was a corporate officer with a widely known company, we would be subjected to different sales models, customer service models, etc. every time the CEO brought in a new COO. The result was many training programs with little followup or implementation- the "flavor of the month" syndrome. Now that I am on the other side of the equation (I train), I want to make sure that my customers have as much emphasis on implementation as on the training. I am also interested in talking to CLO's or OD types that have had success in the implementation of training. I am considering writing on this subject based on best practices. Any support or suggestions are welcome. GF

For many, a key component in sustaining change is the ongoing reinforcement (and accountability) of working with a coach. Coaching doesn't replace training; it augments it.

Hi Barry,

I agree with you in that “constant reinforcements and accountability” are key factors to implement change and learn new information.

There are also coaches for some roles within the organization, the coaches are not trainers, but expects in their field. They provide one-one coaching. You mentioned working with a coach, how often should once work with a coach who is new to a role or line of business with no prior experience in said field? Is this once a week for six months or twice a month for six months?

Thanks,