Performance Support: Explained | Learnexus

Performance support is a critical concept in the field of Learning and Development (L&D). It refers to the tools, resources, and strategies that help individuals perform tasks more efficiently and effectively in their work environment. This article will delve into this concept in great detail, exploring its various aspects, benefits, and applications in the L&D landscape.

Performance support is not just about providing training or instruction; it’s about embedding learning in the workflow and making it a seamless part of the work process. It’s about providing the right information, at the right time, in the right format, to help individuals perform their tasks to the best of their abilities. Let’s dive deeper into this fascinating concept.

Understanding Performance Support

At its core, performance support is about supporting individuals in their performance of tasks. It’s about providing them with the tools and resources they need to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively. This could be in the form of job aids, software tools, reference materials, or even coaching and mentoring.

Performance support is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it needs to be tailored to the individual’s needs, the task at hand, and the work environment. It’s about understanding the individual’s learning style, the nature of the task, and the context in which the task is performed, and providing support that is aligned with these factors.

Types of Performance Support

Performance support can take many forms, depending on the needs of the individual and the task at hand. Some common types of performance support include job aids, software tools, reference materials, and coaching and mentoring.

Job aids are tools that provide step-by-step instructions or guidelines for performing a task. They are designed to be used on the job, as the individual is performing the task. Software tools can be used to automate certain aspects of a task, or to provide guidance and support as the individual is performing the task. Reference materials provide information and guidance that the individual can refer to as needed. Coaching and mentoring involve providing personalized guidance and support to the individual, often through one-on-one interactions.

Benefits of Performance Support

The #1 place for Learning Leaders to learn from each other.

Get the data & knowledge you need to succeed in the era of AI.


We're an invite-only community for L&D leaders to learn from each other through expert-led roundtables, our active forum, and data-driven resources.

Apply to join LHQ

Performance support offers numerous benefits, both for the individual and for the organization. For the individual, performance support can help increase efficiency and effectiveness, reduce errors, and enhance learning and skill development. For the organization, performance support can help improve productivity, reduce training costs, and enhance the quality of work.

By providing individuals with the tools and resources they need to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively, performance support can help them get the job done faster and with fewer errors. This not only improves their performance, but also enhances their confidence and job satisfaction. At the organizational level, performance support can help reduce the time and cost of training, as individuals are able to learn on the job, in the context of their work. This not only saves resources, but also ensures that the learning is relevant and applicable to the work.

Implementing Performance Support

Implementing performance support in an organization involves a systematic process of identifying the tasks that need support, determining the type of support needed, developing the support tools and resources, and integrating them into the workflow. This process requires a deep understanding of the tasks, the individuals performing them, and the work environment.

The first step in implementing performance support is to identify the tasks that need support. This could be tasks that are complex, infrequently performed, or critical to the organization’s success. Once these tasks have been identified, the next step is to determine the type of support needed. This could be in the form of job aids, software tools, reference materials, or coaching and mentoring. The support tools and resources are then developed and integrated into the workflow, so that they are easily accessible and usable by the individuals performing the tasks.

Challenges in Implementing Performance Support

While performance support offers numerous benefits, implementing it in an organization can pose several challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for a shift in mindset, from a focus on training to a focus on performance. This requires a change in the way learning and development is viewed and managed in the organization.

Another challenge is the need for a deep understanding of the tasks, the individuals performing them, and the work environment. This requires a significant investment of time and resources in task analysis, user research, and environmental analysis. Additionally, developing effective performance support tools and resources requires expertise in instructional design, user experience design, and technology.

Overcoming the Challenges

Overcoming the challenges in implementing performance support requires a strategic approach. This involves building a business case for performance support, securing leadership buy-in, and developing a performance support strategy. The strategy should outline the goals of the performance support initiative, the tasks that will be supported, the type of support that will be provided, and the metrics that will be used to measure success.

Building a business case for performance support involves demonstrating the benefits it can bring to the organization, such as improved productivity, reduced training costs, and enhanced quality of work. Securing leadership buy-in is crucial for ensuring the necessary resources and support for the initiative. Developing a performance support strategy involves defining the scope of the initiative, setting clear goals, and outlining the steps for achieving those goals.

Performance Support in the Digital Age

The advent of digital technology has significantly transformed the landscape of performance support. Digital tools and platforms offer new opportunities for delivering performance support, making it more accessible, interactive, and personalized. From mobile apps and online tutorials to virtual reality and artificial intelligence, digital technology is reshaping the way performance support is delivered and experienced.

Mobile apps offer the convenience of accessing performance support anytime, anywhere, right from the individual’s smartphone or tablet. Online tutorials provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations, making it easy for individuals to learn and apply new skills. Virtual reality offers immersive, hands-on learning experiences, allowing individuals to practice and master complex tasks in a safe and controlled environment. Artificial intelligence can provide personalized guidance and feedback, adapting to the individual’s learning style and performance level.

Role of Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems (LMS) play a crucial role in delivering performance support in the digital age. An LMS is a software application that allows organizations to create, manage, and deliver learning content and resources. It can be used to deliver performance support in the form of online courses, tutorials, simulations, and assessments.

An LMS can also track and report on the individual’s learning progress and performance, providing valuable data for evaluating the effectiveness of the performance support. Moreover, an LMS can facilitate social learning and collaboration, allowing individuals to learn from each other and share their knowledge and experiences.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a profound impact on performance support. AI can be used to analyze the individual’s learning behavior and performance data, and provide personalized guidance and feedback. It can also automate certain aspects of the learning process, freeing up time for the individual to focus on higher-level tasks.

AI can also enhance the user experience of performance support, making it more engaging and interactive. For example, AI can be used to create virtual coaches or mentors, who can provide real-time guidance and support to the individual. AI can also be used to create adaptive learning environments, which adjust to the individual’s learning style and performance level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, performance support is a powerful tool for enhancing learning and performance in the workplace. By providing individuals with the tools and resources they need to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively, performance support can help improve productivity, reduce training costs, and enhance the quality of work. However, implementing performance support requires a strategic approach, a deep understanding of the tasks and the individuals performing them, and the effective use of technology.

The advent of digital technology offers new opportunities for delivering performance support, making it more accessible, interactive, and personalized. With the right strategy and tools, organizations can leverage performance support to create a learning culture that fosters continuous improvement and innovation.