Pinpointing the right learning experience solution for your business and critical learner groups can feel overwhelming, especially considering market analysts and key commentators, such as Fosway Group and Bersin by Deloitte, identify between 650 - 750 providers operating in this space.
Before narrowing down potential contenders, it's essential to take a step back and check in with your business needs, objectives and learning requirements. Drill down by asking yourself the following questions:
1. What is your organisation trying to achieve, and what challenges is it currently facing?
2. What tasks or processes are people doing or not doing to help or hinder these goals?
3. How well does HR/L&D facilitate people stepping away from activities that don't add value? Likewise, what HR/L&D content, programmes and processes enable people to focus on acquiring the skills, knowledge, or behaviours they need to succeed?
4. How can technology improve awareness-building, communication and use of learning resources? If this question has you stumped, consider the following:
- Often, there's a rush to put technology at the forefront of an organisation as a way of reporting on KPI outputs. This information is valuable but helping people understand the context and reasons behind these figures is more informative.
- Sometimes it's not about needing new technology; it's about understanding the capabilities of your existing technology and sharing these with employees so they can harness maximum benefit. When a learner asks, 'what's in it for me?', the links to career development and progression should be indisputable.
- The expression 'less is more,' applies to many aspects of life, but this isn't always the case where technology is concerned. Just as our mobile phones, tablets and home screens work in sync, sometimes we need to develop a learning 'ecosystem' too.
5. Who are the key stakeholders in this process? Is the need for improved learning/performance technology coming from IT/Procurement, HR/L&D, or is it a Board concern?
6. What are the success criteria for the learning/performance technology? Being clear on your starting point and goals will steer you in the best direction. Likewise, establishing key deliverables is a crucial marker of success.
Now you've identified your business needs, it's time to start narrowing down trustworthy partners. The Fosway 9-Grids™ are a great place to start when evaluating current suppliers, planning your future or looking for new tools and technology. In 2021, we were proud to feature on their 9-Grid™ for Learning Systems. This recognition followed an appearance on the 2020 9-Grid™ for Talent & People Success.
Endorsement from the Learning and Performance Institute is also a stand-out indication. Their Top 15 Highest Performing Learning Technology Providers - including TWM - provide the highest quality service and user experiences. Read the report here.
Of course, many potential suppliers will give a great sales pitch, but do they listen too? Do they have a people-first, consultative, behavioural approach? Test the water by asking shortlisted contenders the same fundamental questions - a worthy partner should be willing to provide consultancy support before presenting a product/ sales pitch.
Your provider should tune in to your business culture, understand your organisational DNA and daily challenges. They must align with your strategic goals rather than focusing on one-size-fits-all upsells or interventions. Seek an attentive partner with a history of building these responsive relationships.
