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GEOFF RIP – Managing Director of ChangeLever International, which specialises in helping organisation improve workplace performance. A defining characteristic of the company is their development of unique training-based and diagnosis-based change products.

I am involved in all aspects of running the business as well as designing and delivering ChangeLever products.

I was offered an opportunity to get involved in setting up a new Learning and Development department for a national retail company. I found it very rewarding and more interesting than the HR work I had done in the past.

Identifying opportunities in the marketplace for products that will make a significant impact on workplace performance. Then researching and developing the products and successfully bringing them to market. I enjoy the business related challenge and seeing the results achieved for our clients.

One of the biggest challenges is getting organisations to put more emphasis on transfer of learning and effectively manage follow-through. Application is essential to both competence and performance, but typically doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Primarily being results focussed and making sure we deliver beneficial outcomes where it matters - on the job. A key to this is proactively helping clients understand what they need to do to get the results they want.

5. What is the best advice that you would give to a new Learning and Development practitioner?

Keep in mind that you are in the business of creating change through learning, not just a change in learning. Adopt a change management perspective and think of yourself as a change specialist rather than a learning specialist. Talk the language of the business you are in (avoid using training jargon).

6. What's the best advice that's been given to you that has helped you in your career?

The best advice I was given is my response to the last question (5), which is why I am now passing it on.

The most valuable book I have read in years is “The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning”. It is about optimising the business impact of training.

The “Designing for Learning” program and subsequent accreditation. It challenged my fundamental beliefs about learning and development and showed me a much better way to design training and make learning happen.

9. Who do you think is a highly inspirational learning professional and have you ever met this person?

Calhoun Wick – one of authors of “The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning”. I was fortunate to spent time with him in the United States when I was there to give a talk on boosting training effectiveness.

Click here to see a short clip "Turning On Learning Transfer" (2:24 mins) of the message Calhoun Wick gave to 2008 ASTD Conference Presenters to enhance the transfer of their sessions.

I would like to reinforce the need to be proactive in tackling the key drivers of training effectiveness. Evaluating training is obviously important, but if you want to make a real difference you need to shift your focus upstream to the leverage points that make transfer happen and produce outstanding results. This will enhance your credibility and value to the organisation.