How to Prove Learning Impact without a Complicated ROI Spreadsheet

In this episode of Learning for Good, I share how to find evidence that your staff training and development is working, even when you can't prove the training caused the result.

In L&D, we can get hung up on proof. We want to prove that manager development reduced turnover or that leadership training improved performance, and because we can't draw a straight line from training to organizational results, we sometimes stop looking for evidence altogether.

I think we're asking the wrong question. Instead of asking, "Can I prove this training caused that result?" we can ask, "If this learning is working, what would I expect to see?"

▶️ How to Prove Learning Impact without a Complicated ROI Spreadsheet

▶️ Key Points:

00:00:00 Why We Get Hung Up on Proving Training Results

00:03:52 Defining Learning Success With Stakeholders

00:06:37 Mapping the Path Backward From Success

00:08:26 Designing for Behavior Change

00:10:13 Looking for Evidence That Learning Works

Resources from this episode:

Questions to ask in early stakeholder conversations: 

• E192: 10 Questions Strategic Learning Leaders Ask: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/blog/10-strategic-questions-learning-leaders-ask 

Episodes on creating change through learning: 

• E196: Four Conditions for Lasting Workplace Behavior Change: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/blog/four-conditions-for-lasting-workplace-behavior-change 
• E193: Why Staff Need a Reason to Change Behavior: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/blog/why-staff-need-a-reason-to-change-behavior  
• E172: Rethinking the Role of L&D: From Order Taker to Change Agent: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/blog/rethinking-the-role-of-lampd-from-order-taker-to-change-agent 

Episodes on measuring learning:

• E188: 5 Levels of Training Impact: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/blog/5-levels-of-training-impact 
• E117: How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact from Training: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/blog/how-to-measure-behavior-change-and-impact-from-training 
• E59: How to Measure the Impact of Your Training and Development: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/blog/how-to-measure-the-impact-of-your-training-and-development

Join the Learning for Good Summit on October 28: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/influence-to-action 

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms