Diagnose First, Train Second

Training Magazine | January 19, 2026

Training transfer—the ability to apply learning in real work situations—is often an afterthought and not a priority. Implementing a Dynamic Transfer Model can help.

Sarah, a high-potential manager, was eager to grow. She recently completed an intensive leadership development program in which she practiced cutting-edge coaching techniques designed to make her a more effective leader. Excited and confident, she returned to work and was ready to transform her interactions with the team.

But reality hit fast. Deadlines, meetings, and daily responsibilities pushed her new skills to the back of her mind. The weeks passed, and Sarah fell back into old habits—giving quick instructions rather than using the coaching techniques she had learned.

When asked about training, she sighed: “The course was great, but honestly, I haven’t had the time to apply what I learned.”

Sound familiar? To read more, click on the link below.

When You’re Told to Train Anway

Training Magazine | January 19, 2026

IL&D professionals are problem-solvers and not order-takers. At least, that’s the aspiration. In reality, even after a thorough diagnosis reveals a non-training issue, such as misaligned incentives, system flaws, or unclear expectations, we are often advised to proceed with training anyway.

This is a frustrating and familiar problem. However, instead of viewing these moments as setbacks, L&D teams can use them to reinforce their role as strategic partners—delivering value, maintaining credibility, and laying the groundwork for more effective performance solutions. To read more, click on the link.

A 3-Step Plan for Proving Training Value

Training Industry | January 8, 2026

U.S. companies invest nearly $100 billion annually in training, yet when budgets tighten, training is often one of the first line items to be cut. The reason: Executives still view training as a cost rather than a strategic investment. Often, they are not wrong. Too many learning leaders still rely on completion rates and satisfaction scores to demonstrate impact — metrics that do not tell the real business story.

This article offers a roadmap to change that perception. Built on years of practical experience, research, and field-tested frameworks, it shows how learning and development (L&D) leaders can shift the conversation by proving how training drives dollars, reduces risk, and strengthens organizational performance. To read more:

 

Why Taining Design is the Most Critical Step you Might be Overlooking

Training Magazine | November 4, 2025

Uncover the importance of training design. Learn how a well-structured training process leads to real-world applications and impacts.

Despite the time, energy, and investment of money that organizations make in employee training, one sobering truth continues to emerge: most of what is taught never reaches the workplace. The culprit? Not poor facilitation or disengaged learners—but the failure to design training that actually prepares people to apply what they learn.

This article highlights a commonly overlooked but essential step in the learning process: training design. It is a deliberate design process that ensures that training leads to real-world applications, observable behavior changes, and measurable business outcomes.

Effective training design occurs when a business strategy becomes actionable and implementable. This is where planning meets performance. It is also a linchpin that connects intent and impact. To read more

Why Your Training Programs are Failing — And How to Fix Them

Training Magazine | June 22, 2025

Too much training. Not enough traction. Sound familiar? If you are like most L&D professionals, you have been asked to build a course or roll out a session for what turns out to be a non-training issue. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and the same problem cropping up again in the next quarter.

It is time to hit the pause button when defaulting on training. This article introduces a practical, field-tested framework based on the classic Mager & Pipe performance analysis model. It helps learning and development professionals to ask the right questions, get to the root of the issue, and choose the right solution, whether it involves training or not.