Have you been on the receiving end of requests to create workplace training you know is unlikely to get results? Have you found yourself feeling more like an order taker vs. a trusted partner capable of delivering impactful learning? Are efforts to employ action mapping in the workplace met with pushback? Helping stakeholders buy in to an alternative to their solution can be an uphill battle–especially when the working relationship is in early stages, a power imbalance exists, or the designer's communication with stakeholders or client is indirect. Building a mutually beneficial relationship is a journey. What if there was a simple technique to create an opportunity for productive dialogue about what workplace learning can accomplish?

In this session you'll learn the two-solution pitch you can use to aid the transition from an order taker to trusted business partner. The two-solution pitch offers a diplomatic approach to highlighting the true problem the business wants to address and creating alignment with and among stakeholders. You'll learn how to use information from front end analysis to determine two elements of the basic pitch: (1) key characteristics of the final learning product or experience, regardless of form, and (2) a second learning solution for consideration. You'll explore tips and tricks for effectively framing the recommended learning solution for the pitch, communicating the key characteristics of all solution options, and maintaining a diplomatic approach throughout. You'll leave this session with a simple and effective technique that empowers you, the learning professional, to share insights about results-focused learning solutions in a way that respects stakeholders as the knowledgeable decision makers that they are. Templates will be provided for you to try your hand at crafting your own two-solution pitch.

In this session, you will learn:

• Why a two-solution pitch can help you to build trust with stakeholders
• What makes a good two-solution pitch and when to employ this technique
• How to utilize information from front end analysis to identify characteristics that matter most to stakeholders and outline a more effective learning solution option
• How to craft a simple yet thoughtful pitch that incorporates the originally requested solution plus a contrasting option more likely to deliver results
• How to maintain a diplomatic approach when delivering the pitch
• Why the pitch might benefit future discussions of learning solutions, even if the less-effective solution is selected in the short term