Instructional Design & Training

Vantage designs Performance Management training for university staff.

Situation: A four-year university found lackluster response to its annual performance appraisal process. After inquiry, they found that neither staff nor managers were comfortable with the appraisal process and that there was a significant lack of understanding of the tool itself.

Goal: To design performance management training courses for staff and supervisors that would deliver knowledge of the tool and practical examples of its application.

Process: Already extremely knowledgeable in the substance of the course material, Vantage immersed itself into understanding the university’s coaching culture and appraisal tool. We designed the training and also obtained approval from the university to design a train-the-trainer format utilizing our highly-interactive, icon-driven Facilitator’s Guide. In so doing, Vantage utilized its proven training course design, which features a Facilitator’s Guide, a Participant’s Guide, a Reference Guide, plus the creation of relevant presentation aids, including flip charts and other methods for an appropriate level of interaction.

Results: The training was not mandatory, yet was attended by over 85% of the targeted population. It was well-received, especially from staff, who had not received training in this area and, as a result, had taken a very hands-off approach to their career development. Subsequently, the use of the train-the-trainer program allowed the university to utilize internal training staff to conduct many of the sessions, thereby reducing the cost of training delivery. It is anticipated that Vantage will modify and updated this training every 2-3 years.