The Field Guide to the 6Ds: How to Use the Six Disciplines to Transform Learning into Business Results

H2 D1.1

How to Use the Planning Wheel to Clarify Business Purpose

Introduction

“The only reason that learning functions exist is to drive business outcomes” (Smith, 2011, p. 10). A prerequisite for successful training, therefore, is to understand the business purpose of the training and the business leader's definition of success. Training professionals who focus on business needs move into the roles of performance consultants (Robinson & Robinson, 2008) and trusted advisors to the business (Maister, Green, & Galford, 2000).

The 6Ds Outcomes Planning Wheel^™ (Figure D1.1.1) has proven to be a useful aid for clarifying the business rationale behind ...