Unlocking Training Excellence: Key Insights from "The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning"

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations recognize the importance of training and development in driving growth and success. However, simply providing training programs is not enough. To truly maximize the value of these initiatives, a business- and process-driven approach is essential. In their book, "The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning," authors Roy V. H. Pollock, Andrew McK. Jefferson, and Calhoun W. Wick outline a comprehensive framework that allows organizations to extract maximum value from their training and development efforts. Let's dive into these six disciplines and explore how they can revolutionize your learning initiatives.

1. Define the Business Outcomes

This discipline involves clearly defining the business goals that the training program is intended to achieve. This will help to ensure that the training is aligned with the overall business strategy and that it is focused on the most important areas.

Example: A company is launching a new product and needs to train its sales team on how to sell it. The business outcome for the training program might be to increase sales of the new product by 10% in the first quarter.

2. Design the Complete Learning Experience

This discipline involves designing a learning experience that will help participants to achieve the desired business outcomes. This includes identifying the content that needs to be covered, the delivery methods that will be used, and the assessments that will be used to measure learning.

Example: The sales training program might include a combination of online learning, in-person workshops, and role-playing exercises. The assessments might include a quiz on the product features and benefits, and a mock sales call.

3. Deliver for Application

This discipline involves delivering the training in a way that will help participants to apply what they have learned to their jobs. This includes using instructional strategies that are engaging and interactive, and providing opportunities for participants to practice what they have learned.

Example: The sales training program might include group discussions, case studies, and interactive simulations. Participants might also be given the opportunity to practice their sales skills with real customers.

4. Drive Learning Transfer

This discipline involves providing participants with the support and resources they need to apply what they have learned to their jobs after the training has ended. This might include providing job aids, coaching, and access to online learning resources.

Example: The sales team might be given a job aid that summarizes the key features and benefits of the new product. They might also be given access to an online library of sales resources and coaching from a more experienced sales representative.

5. Deploy Performance Support

This discipline involves providing participants with the tools and resources they need to perform their jobs effectively. This might include job aids, checklists, and access to experts.

Example: The sales team might be given a mobile app that provides them with real-time information on the new product, customer data, and sales leads. They might also be given access to a team of product experts who can answer their questions.

6. Document Results

This discipline involves measuring and evaluating the results of the training program to determine whether it achieved the desired business outcomes. This information can then be used to improve future training programs.

Example: The company might track the sales performance of the sales team to see if the new product sales goal was achieved. They might also survey participants to get feedback on the training program.

The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning are a proven approach to training and development that can help organizations to achieve their business goals. By following these six disciplines, organizations can ensure that their training programs are effective, efficient, and aligned with their overall business strategy.

"The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning" offers a powerful framework for organizations looking to extract maximum value from their training and development efforts. By incorporating these disciplines into your learning strategy, you can create a results-oriented approach that aligns with strategic objectives, engages learners, and drives continuous improvement. Ultimately, this holistic approach to learning will pave the way for breakthroughs, empower employees, and position your organization for long-term success.