Wherever we are in the learning and talent development space, we are performance consultants, with or without the “performance consultant” label. This session explores how performance consulting has been integrated into the learning and talent development field. It will also define specific roles, particularly in the four major phases of the learning and talent development cycle.
 
During the initial analysis phase, when evaluating to implement a program, performance consulting is needed to connect the program with clear business measures, ensure it is the proper solution, and create expectations for success by setting objectives through the impact level.
 
Performance consulting is used during the second phase, program implementation, to ensure that the participants have not only learned the material but that they use what they have learned on their job and deliver a corresponding impact in performance.
 
Performance consulting is used during the third phase to ensure credible results. If the performance consulting produced impact, the effects of the program need to be isolated. Additionally, if an ROI calculation is desired, data is converted to money, costs are captured, and ROI is calculated. This phase, including the ROI calculation, is a critical component of performance consulting.
 
The final phase includes communicating results to key stakeholders and using Black Box Thinking to optimize the results, leading to increased funding.
 
By adhering to this process, no matter what role you play in the learning and talent development space, you will be equipped to drive organizational growth and increase your program’s success.
 
Objectives
 
After attending the session participants should be able to:

1. Identify how performance consulting has entered the learning and talent development cycle.
2. Describe the performance consultant’s role in the learning and talent development cycle.
3. Explain how performance consulting can help the program deliver results.
4. Use performance consulting to show the impact and ROI of learning and talent development.

Jack has been recognized and awarded for his work by numerous professional organizations. He, along with his business partner and wife, Patti Phillips, received the 2024 Thought Leader Award from the Association of Learning Providers (ISA), the 2022 Association for Talent Development (ATD) Thought Leader Award, and the 2019 Center for Talent Reporting Distinguished Contributor Award. In 2019, he was named among the top fifty coaches globally by the Thinkers50 organization and named a finalist for the Marshall Goldsmith Distinguished Achievement Award for Coaching. SHRM presented Jack with its highest creativity award for an ROI study and awarded an ROI Institute book with a best book award. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, and Fortune magazine, and he has been interviewed by several television programs, including CNN.