What skills do you need to be a learning transfer strategist?

1 Analytical skills

You need to be able to collect, analyze, and interpret data from various sources, such as learner feedback, performance indicators, and business outcomes. You also need to be able to identify the gaps, barriers, and opportunities for learning transfer, and propose solutions that are aligned with the organizational goals and needs. You should be able to use different tools and methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, and analytics software, to conduct your analysis and present your findings.

2 Design skills

You need to be able to design effective and engaging learning transfer interventions that support the learners before, during, and after the training. You should be familiar with the principles and models of instructional design, adult learning theory, and learning transfer theory, and apply them to create relevant, meaningful, and practical learning experiences. You should also be able to select and use appropriate media and technology, such as e-learning, videos, podcasts, gamification, and social media, to deliver and reinforce the learning content.

3 Communication skills

You need to be able to communicate clearly and persuasively with different stakeholders, such as learners, managers, trainers, and executives, and establish rapport and trust with them. You should be able to articulate the value and benefits of learning transfer, and influence the attitudes and behaviors of the stakeholders towards supporting and promoting it. You should also be able to provide constructive feedback, coaching, and guidance to the learners and help them overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.

4 Collaboration skills

You need to be able to work effectively with others, both within and outside your team, and leverage their expertise, resources, and networks. You should be able to coordinate and align your efforts with the other learning and development professionals, and ensure consistency and quality across the learning transfer initiatives. You should also be able to partner with the business units, managers, and mentors, and involve them in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the learning transfer interventions.

5 Evaluation skills

You need to be able to measure and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of your learning transfer interventions, and demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of the training. You should be able to use different types of evaluation methods, such as Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation, Phillips' ROI methodology, and Brinkerhoff's success case method, and collect both quantitative and qualitative data. You should also be able to report and communicate your results and recommendations, and use them to improve your learning transfer strategies and practices.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?