Training or Transformation? Why Most L&D Still Misses the Point

Too many organisations still treat learning as a tick-box exercise: a one-day workshop, a shiny new platform, a quick skills course. The problem? Training alone doesn’t equal transformation. And transformation is what drives real performance. 

The Problem with Traditional Training It’s easy to schedule a training day. It looks good on paper, ticks compliance needs, and creates the illusion of progress. But research shows that without reinforcement, up to 80% of learning is forgotten within a month. That means most L&D investments are slipping through the cracks with little to no lasting business impact. 

From Events to Journeys 
The organisations who get it right understand that learning isn’t a one-off event — it’s a journey. They focus not just on what people learn, but on how they apply it back on the job. That means: 

• Building in real-play and case-play opportunities. 

• Equipping managers to coach and reinforce new skills. 

• Using diagnostic tools, peer-to-peer exercises, and follow-ups to embed learning over time. 

Transformation Requires Behavioural Change 
True transformation comes when behaviours shift. When a salesperson consistently prepares differently for customer meetings. When a leader changes how they listen, coach, and empower. When teams adopt a shared language that makes collaboration seamless. That’s not training, that’s transformation. 

 
The real question is: are you investing in events, or are you investing in behavioural change?  

As budgets tighten and ROI matters more than ever, L&D leaders have a choice. Tick the training box… or build learning journeys that transform performance and deliver measurable business results. 

At Expression for Growth, we’ve helped organisations worldwide move beyond training into transformation — embedding skills, shifting behaviours, and delivering ROI that lasts. If you’re ready to explore how this could work for your teams, get in touch with us today.