If your organization is planning a large-scale software rollout, learning and development (L & D) provides the training and tools your end-users need to master the new technology. However, instilling software knowledge and skills across your organization requires much more than basic instruction – it takes a broader strategic perspective. In this article, we’ve outlined six big-picture learning and development goals to consider before your next software rollout to promote the digital literacy and dexterity needed for a successful implementation.

Learning and Development Goals to Aim For:

1.  Revamp your training strategy to include change management principles

2. Adapt learning experiences to each learner’s needs

3. Create continuous support opportunities

4. Mitigate the risks of project delays or failure

5. Maximize user adoption rates

6. Increase the technology return on investment (ROI)

Continue reading to learn more about why these L & D goals are important for a healthy digital transformation.

Goal #1: Revamp your strategy to include change management principles

A learning and development initiative not rooted in proven change management principles can create a rocky technology deployment experience for everyone, from end-users to management and leadership. Confusion, resistance – and a lot of stress – are often the result of leaving change management out of the mix.

Making it a goal to blend sound change management principles into your training strategy will help build company-wide awareness, understanding, engagement, and acceptance of the change, giving your technology deployment a winning advantage – a big one. Experts estimate that 81% of companies stay on or below budget, and 71% are on or ahead of schedule when they incorporate organizational change management into their transformation strategies.

Goal #2: Adapt learning experiences to each learner’s needs

Not every person in your organization will use – or learn – new technology the same way. So, consider making it a goal to provide tailored experiences to teach the specific skills that learners need. As we covered in a recent blog article on learning and development trends for 2021, customized in-house learning and artificial intelligence are a couple of ways to adapt training for your learners.

Goal #3: Create continuous support opportunities

Supporting learners during and after go-live can help ease the transition to new technology by providing encouragement, shortening learning curves, and instilling confidence. After all, it’s not always easy to remember every concept from a training session. Consider setting up a system to provide quick and helpful guidance to improve recall and proficiency. Whether through visual aids, live support, or something else, continuous support can make all the difference for employee success.

Goal #4: Mitigate the risks of project delays or failure

All digital transformations have risks of running into costly roadblocks or even failing altogether. When rolling out new software, some of the most common risks include resistance to change, low leadership support, missed milestones, and budget overruns. Make one of your learning and development goals to identify and mitigate the specific risks in your organization to ensure your project stays on time and budget.

Goal #5: Maximize user adoption rates

As seasoned experts who help companies navigate the people side of change, we know that user adoption is the #1 way to promote a successful digital transformation – the more people using the technology proficiently, the higher the return on your company’s investment. When outlining your training goals, focus much of your effort on deploying strategies that enhance user adoption rates, including integrating change management principles, creating customized learning experiences, offering continuous support opportunities, and mitigating risk.

Goal #6: Increase the technology return on investment (ROI)

Last but certainly not least, include increasing technology ROI in your training goals. This measurable goal is the primary indicator of a successful rollout, and much of it hinges on all the suggestions outlined in this article. From integrating change management principles to maximizing user adoption rates, realizing the full value of your investment takes a strategic approach to move the needle.

Do you need help reaching your employee development goals?

If you could use some expert guidance to help you achieve these or any other goals, contact our people-centered team today. With a unique blend of change management and learning and development services, we are masters in strategy development, instructional design, eLearning development, job aids, post-go-live support, and assessments – all while seamlessly blending into your company culture. Using a collaborative approach, we’ll help you set the stage for your best technology rollout yet.