Performance Solution Finder
Diagnose whether a performance problem needs training, performance support, or a different intervention entirely. Free, no signup needed.
Diagnose your performance problem
Describe the performance problem, diagnose root causes, and discover whether training, performance support, or another intervention is the right solution.
Describe the problem
Start with the performance issue, not the training request. What are people not doing that they should be?
What makes this tool different
Root cause diagnosis
Rate five dimensions to identify whether the problem is skill, motivation, process, information, or environment.
Solution matching
Get recommendations matched to your specific root causes — not a one-size-fits-all training plan.
Stakeholder-ready output
Download a professional report that shows the diagnosis and recommended solutions.
Excel and HTML export
Get your action plan as a spreadsheet or a shareable HTML document.
Benefits of Performance Solution Finder
Stop assuming training is the answer
Most performance problems aren't solved by training alone. This tool helps you diagnose before you design.
Structured diagnostic process
Clarifying questions for each root cause help you think through what's really driving the performance gap.
Matched solution types
See which interventions — training, coaching, performance support, job aids, process change — fit your diagnosis.
Effort and impact ratings
Every recommended solution shows effort and impact so you can prioritise what to build first.
Shareable with stakeholders
Export a clean report that makes the case for your recommended approach.
Completely free and private
Everything runs in your browser. No data is sent to any server. No account required.
Four steps to find the right solution
Describe the problem
What performance issue are you seeing? Who is affected and what is the business impact?
Diagnose root causes
Rate five root-cause dimensions using clarifying questions to guide your thinking.
See recommended solutions
Get tailored recommendations — training, coaching, performance support, job aids, or process change.
Download your action plan
Export a prioritised report as Excel or HTML with your diagnosis and recommended next steps.
Sodium vs other options
| Feature | Sodium | Manual diagnosis | Consultant-led |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structured root cause framework | 5 dimensions | Ad hoc | Varies |
| Solution matching | Automatic | Manual research | Consultant expertise |
| Time to complete | 5 minutes | Hours | Days to weeks |
| Cost | Free | Free | $5k–$50k+ |
| Stakeholder-ready output | Yes | No | Usually |
| Data privacy | 100% browser | N/A | Varies |
Diagnose the problem, then deliver the right solution.
Sodium supports different content types — from courses to standalone modules, articles, quizzes, and videos — so you can match the right format to the right problem.
Common questions about performance solution finder
- It's a diagnostic tool that helps you determine whether a performance problem needs training, performance support, a process change, or another type of intervention. Instead of assuming training is the answer, it walks you through five root-cause dimensions and recommends the right solution type.
- You rate five dimensions — skill/knowledge gap, motivation gap, process/tool gap, information access gap, and environment/culture gap — on a 0–5 scale. Each dimension has a clarifying question to help you think through whether it's a factor.
- Based on your highest-rated root causes, it recommends matched solutions such as formal training, microlearning, coaching, performance support, digital coaches, job aids, workflow redesign, and culture change programmes. Each recommendation includes effort and impact ratings.
- A training needs analysis assumes training is the answer and maps skill gaps. This tool starts from the performance problem and diagnoses the root cause first — which might not be a skill gap at all. It recommends training only when appropriate, alongside other solution types.
- Three sheets: Diagnosis (your root-cause ratings and clarifying questions), Recommendations (matched solutions with effort and impact), and Action Plan (prioritised next steps with owner and date columns).
- No. Everything runs in your browser. No data is sent to any server. The generated report is created locally on your device.