Page 292 - The extraordinary leader

The Importance of Follow-Through • 269

Segmenting the Learning Process

26% 24% 50%
The value
contributed by
each phase of
the learning
process

Estimates of how
the learning
process is
currently funded
10% 85% 5%

Figure 14-1 Impact of Training Phases on Learning

program. The results are rather dramatic. We’ll show only two in Exhibit 14-1
and Exhibit 14-2.
It is obvious that very little change has occurred with the group in Exhibit
14-1. Now contrast this group with those leaders who had done frequent or
consistent follow-up (Exhibit 14-2).
These data clearly confirm that the ultimate result of any leadership devel-
opment effort hinges strongly on what happens after the event. It gives great
support to the importance of Phase 3 in this development process.
We’re not advocating that expenditures must exactly parallel the value
derived from each phase. But it’s apparent that we’re significantly under-
funding and underemphasizing Phase 3 activities.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
We engage in leadership development activities because we want to produce
some measurable result. Although we always want people to feel good about
their experience and time spent, the reactions they have to the development
process are clearly not the most relevant measure. We would certainly expect