59. L&D Has a Data Problem with Nolan Hout

Now, as I reflected back on this conversation with Nolan, it brought me back to one of the mantras I live by when it comes to measurement and L&D.

Because, of course, measurement is one of the ways we collect data.

The mantra this episode brought to mind, and I just kept thinking about it over and over again, is this.

Measurement is a collaborative activity.

So say that one more time.

Measurement, measurement in L&D, is a collaborative activity.

This is important.

It seems like right now, and for many years, there's a continual buzz around this idea that L&D needs to dive deeper with our measurement.

We need to stop using just completion metrics to show the value of our programs.

We need to move towards measuring business outcomes and performance improvement, the results that impact the business.

Now, I'll go back real briefly to the purpose of L&D, which I define as equipping and enabling the workforce with the skills and expertise they need to move the business forward.

To move the business forward, that part is key here.

Because if we're moving the business forward, we're not just talking about attending a class or completing a learning experience alone, even enjoying that class or that experience.

That in and of itself doesn't often move the business forward.

It's what, of course, it's what participants do with the information shared, the skills learned as a result of that class or experience.

And that's what we need to measure.

That's the data we need to see.

But this is where it gets tricky because of what we in L&D have control over when it comes to metrics.

We have control over, or at minimum, an access to the data and metrics that show completions and even enjoyment from our evaluations and our LMSs generally.

But we often do not have control over or direct access to the metrics that show movement on individual performance or organizational performance.

Nor should we.

Because believe me when I say we don't want control over performance metrics.

We don't want control over financial metrics or business goal metrics.

That is not our job.

However, it is our job to impact those metrics by equipping and enabling people in the organization with the skills and expertise they need.