ATD developed the Talent Development Framework and the TD Puzzle to help practitioners understand the different components of talent development, and how organizations can build their own frameworks to address their unique needs. This blog series explores each component of the talent development framework, why it’s important to the field, and what resources ATD offers to practitioners who want to learn more.

Needs Assessment

The process of gathering data to determine what individual performers need in order for the organization to accomplish its stated goals. Needs assessments can align with a bottom line–if done correctly. Needs may be prioritized on the basis of the costs to meet the needs as compared to the costs of ignoring them.

A needs assessment is the first step in developing any solution, including training. When a skills gap is detected, assessment serves as the foundation for determining instructional objectives, design, training method, and measurements of new skills gained by participants. It’s important to ask yourself seven key questions that will enable you to rapidly assess any situation to ensure that you address the right problem immediately.

We’ve assembled some additional resources to explore:

• The ATD certificate program

• “How to Assess and Agency’s Staffing Needs”

• “Assessing Development Needs to Improve Performance”

• E-learning programs

For more information on training delivery and other major components of talent development, check out the ASTD Handbook, 2nd Edition.