Webinar Wisdom: My Top Takeaways from "Designing a Successful Training Pilot"

This week, I had the incredible opportunity to join Matt Kubarek from Intown Suites on a webinar hosted by Opus Training. We dove deep into the world of training pilots, sharing practical strategies for launching effective programs and ensuring they deliver real results.

It was an amazing experience to connect with other training professionals and share insights on a topic I'm so passionate about. Here are my top takeaways from the webinar that I believe can help anyone looking to design and implement successful training pilots:

1. Crystal-Clear Goals are Your North Star

Matt and I both emphasized the absolute necessity of starting with well-defined, measurable goals. Don't just say, "We want this training to work." Get specific! What behaviors are you trying to change? What skills do you want to develop? How will you measure success?

For example, Matt shared how his team tackled high housekeeping labor costs by setting clear goals to reduce labor hours and improve employee satisfaction. They tracked these outcomes meticulously and saw a 13% reduction in labor hours! Without those clear goals, they wouldn't have known if the pilot was truly effective.

2. Define "Failure" to Stay on Track

This is a crucial point that often gets overlooked. Knowing what failure looks like is just as important as defining success. Why? Because it helps you avoid scope creep and stay focused on your original objectives.

I shared an example of a scheduling tool pilot where we ran into issues with the software's budgeting feature. Because we had clearly defined what failure would look like, we recognized the problem early on and adjusted the scope to include a second round of testing. This saved us from a costly company-wide rollout of a flawed system!

3. Communication is Key

This might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating: communication is essential throughout the entire pilot process. Regular updates, feedback loops, and clear communication with stakeholders keep everyone aligned and informed.

Matt highlighted how weekly check-ins were crucial during his company's pilot of a housekeeping cart program. These check-ins allowed them to course-correct in real-time and address issues before they became major problems.

4. Feedback Fuels Improvement

As Matt perfectly put it, "If you aren't listening to your people, you aren't getting the whole picture." Feedback from employees, especially those on the front lines, is pure gold. Use surveys, pulse reports, or regular check-ins to gather feedback and ensure your pilot evolves based on real-time insights.

I shared an example of a meal prep service pilot where we invited top customers to test a new ordering system and provide feedback. Their early input allowed us to make crucial adjustments before the full rollout, preventing widespread customer dissatisfaction.

Pilot Programs: A Recipe for Success

By following these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of pilot programs and ensure they contribute positively to your organization's goals. Remember, a successful pilot is a collaborative effort, fueled by clear goals, open communication, and a willingness to learn and adapt along the way.

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