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  • 23 - Tom Brush on Needs Assessment for Learning and Performance Improvement

    23 - Tom Brush on Needs Assessment for Learning and Performance Improvement
    2025/08/21
    We all want to believe we’re tackling the right problems in our work — but too often, we skip straight to solutions without understanding what’s really going on. In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tom Brush, Professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University Bloomington, to explore why needs assessment is the overlooked key to effective performance improvement.With decades of experience teaching and conducting needs assessments across K–12, higher education, the military, and grant-funded projects, Tom blends academic expertise with real-world know-how. Together, we unpack the difference between needs assessment and needs analysis, why training isn’t always the answer, and how to approach performance problems with an open, systematic, and evidence-based mindset.You’ll hear practical steps for conducting an assessment (even on a tight budget), stories that illustrate why rushing to solutions can backfire, and advice for making the case for analysis to leaders who just want to “get on with it.” Whether you’re a designer, educator, leader, or consultant, this episode will help you stop wasting time on the wrong fixes and start solving the problems that really matter.About the GuestDr. Tom Brush is a Professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University Bloomington. Over the past two decades, he has trained hundreds of master’s and doctoral students in instructional design, needs assessment, and program evaluation, while leading research on inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.Tom has authored more than 70 publications and served as PI, co-PI, or evaluator on numerous projects funded by the National Science Foundation, the Google Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. His work spans K–12, higher education, the military, and large-scale educational initiatives.Faculty Profile: education.indiana.edu/about/directory/faculty/brush-thomas.htmlEmail: tbrush@iu.edu Key Topics CoveredWhat a “need” really isThe difference between needs assessment and needs analysis.The two types of needs assessments: general vs. training.Why training is not always the right solution to a performance problem.How to approach assessments with an open, unbiased mind.A systematic process for identifying problems, collecting data, and prioritizing causes.The role of both people-related and environment-related factors in performance.How to present findings when they’re politically sensitive or unpopular.Common mistakes to avoid (bias, rushing, skipping the process entirely).How to start small with minimum viable data collection.Tools and Practices MentionedAnalyzing Performance Problems — Robert Mager & Peter Pipe (Amazon)A Practical Guide to Needs Assessment — Sleezer, Russ-Eft, Gupta (Amazon)Cathy Moore’s Action Mapping (Blog)David Wile (1996), “Why Doers Do” (PDF)Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Inquiry-based learning approachesDetailed Show Notes and TranscriptFull Show NotesTranscript🎧 Related EpisodesAlaina Szlachta on Harnessing Data Learning and Performance Improvement (Episode 17)Heidi Kirby on Making L&D More Strategic (Episode 11)Connect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design.Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-healy-95924543/
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    1 時間 24 分
  • 22 - Charles "Evan" Smith on Self-Awareness for Learning, Performance, and Change

    22 - Charles "Evan" Smith on Self-Awareness for Learning, Performance, and Change
    2025/07/24
    🌟 Episode SynopsisWe all like to believe we’re self-aware—but what if we’re not as clear-eyed as we think? In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I sit down with Charles Evan Smith (known to most as Evan), a seasoned coach, consultant, and change architect, to explore why self-awareness is the hidden foundation for personal and organizational transformation.With more than 25 years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations, Evan brings a rare blend of systems thinking, neuroscience, and deep empathy to his work. Together, we discuss why self-awareness is so rare (spoiler: 90% of people think they have it, but only 10% actually do), how blind spots can derail performance, and what leaders can do to foster change from the inside out.You’ll hear stories of organizational turnarounds, powerful coaching questions like "And what else?", and research that shows how behavior monitoring can spark real growth. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or simply someone striving to grow, this episode is packed with insights and practical tools to help you raise your own self-awareness and make meaningful change.👤 About the GuestCharles Evan Smith is a coach, consultant, and facilitator with more than two decades of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate meaningful change. As the founder of Metamorphosis Management Group, Evan partners with leaders to translate self-awareness into measurable business results and lasting personal growth.He also works with Box of Crayons to deliver curiosity-led leadership programs and with Empactful Advisors to align leadership, culture, and performance. Certified in tools like the Leadership Circle Profile and ICF Team Coaching, Evan brings a unique combination of systems thinking, behavior change theory, and deep empathy for the human side of work.Website: metaMG.comLinkedIn: Charles Evan Smith🧠 Key Topics CoveredWhat self-awareness is and why it’s the foundation for personal and organizational changeThe surprising gap between perceived and actual self-awarenessHow leaders can model “learning out loud” to energize changeThe neuroscience of habits and why patterns are hard to changeTools and practices for cultivating self-awareness, from feedback loops to habit trackersCommon barriers to self-awareness and why it’s often dismissed as a soft skillPractical ways to deepen your own self-awareness and apply it to learning and performance🛠️ Tools and Practices MentionedThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierLeadership Circle 360 RallyBright Team AssessmentHabit tracking and journalingMorning intention-setting practices📝 Detailed Show Notes and TranscriptCheck out the full recap with show notes hereRead the full transcript here📚 Learn More – Further ResourcesInsight by Tasha EurichEmotional Intelligence by Daniel GolemanThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierWhat You Don’t Know About Making Decisions (HBR) by David GarvinAmy Edmondson on Psychological SafetyHawthorne Effect🎧 Related EpisodesJon Walker on Self-Compassion for Learning, Performance, and Joy (#21)Nicole L’Etoile on Accessibility and Inclusive Design (#20)Amy Edmondson on Psychological Safety in Teams (#9)📬 Connect with PatLooking to elevate your own learning and performance? I (Pat Healy) help individuals and organizations learn faster and perform better through coaching, consulting, and learning design.Website: patrickjhealy.comEmail: pat@patrickjhealy.comLinkedIn: Patrick HealyConnect with me and let’s explore how we can improve your learning and performance today!
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    1 時間 31 分
  • #15 - Noah Rasheta on Using Buddhism to Become a Better Person

    #15 - Noah Rasheta on Using Buddhism to Become a Better Person
    2024/12/05
    In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Noah Rasheta, a Buddhist philosopher, author, and podcaster dedicated to making Buddhist philosophy accessible and practical for everyday life. Noah's podcast, The Secular Buddhism Podcast, shares Buddhist principles and practices that modern people can use to learn, perform, and live more wisely. His book, "No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners," breaks down key Buddhist concepts for a Western audience and is an invaluable resource for those seeking to incorporate mindfulness and philosophical insights into their daily routines. In the conversation, Noah and I discuss some basic ideas from Buddhism and ways people from a secular background can leverage Buddhism. Noah enjoys photography, paragliding, volunteering as a school bus driver, and spending time with his wife and kids in Utah. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Noah and I hit on several topics relevant to learning and performance, including: What is secular BuddhismThe Four Noble TruthsThe difference between pain and sufferingSeeing life as a gameThe power of awareness and attention for learning and performanceCommon myths and misconceptions about Buddhism and mindfulnessEnlightenment as a journey vs. a destinationUnlearning as a tool for learningAcknowledging multiple perspectivesThe Middle Way of optimal performanceThe power of pausing and returning to the breathDoing things for the sake of itQuestioning the judgments and evaluations we make ABOUT THE GUEST: Noah Rasheta is a Buddhist philosopher, best-selling author, and podcast host. He has presented his teachings at some of the world's most renowned organizations, such as Apple®, PwC, YPO, Entrepreneurs' Organization, and many others. His teachings have been downloaded millions of times by individuals all around the world. CONNECT WITH NOAH: Secular Buddhism websiteInstagramFacebookTwitter/X MENTIONS and RESOURCES: Performance vs. effort - See this and this Secular Buddhism - See this and this and thisFirst Noble Truth - Truth of Suffering - See this and thisSecond Noble Truth - Truth of the Cause of Suffering - See this and thisThird Noble Truth - The End of Suffering - See this and thisFourth Noble Truth - Eightfold Path to End Suffering - See this and this AND this Pain vs. Suffering - See this and thisGroundlessnessLife as Chess vs. Tetris - The Myth of Having a Totally Happy Life Life Bingo Myth: Meditation as a Way to Feel Good (Catch the Butterfly) vs. a Way of Better Seeing/Feeling (Flashlight to Raise Awareness) Happiness as a ButterflyMyth: Enlightenment as an End Goal vs. a JourneyImportance of awareness in learning and teaching Unlearning as a tool for learningParable of the Blind Men and the Elephant - different ways of understanding thingsLearning styles vs. preferencesSecular Buddhism podcastNo Nonsense Buddhism for BeginnersThe Power of the PauseFlow experienceThe Middle Way of PerformanceDoing things for the sake of it Not tying identity to outcomes Parable of the Farmer and the Horse - "Who knows what is good/bad?"Life is short, so make the most of it
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    1 時間 28 分
  • #4 - Dr. Jenny Woo on Learning to Be More Emotionally Intelligent

    #4 - Dr. Jenny Woo on Learning to Be More Emotionally Intelligent
    2024/01/18

    In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with Dr. Jenny Woo, a Harvard-trained educator, cognitive science researcher, entrepreneur, executive coach, and mom of three. Jenny is the founder and CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, an organization dedicated to helping parents, teachers, and other adults apply research from psychology and neuroscience to build essential life skills in our kids. Jenny conducts research in social-emotional learning, emotion regulation, and resilience. She is the creator of a series of award-winning life skills games used by parents, teachers, counselors, and therapists in 50+ countries.


    In our conversation, Jenny and I discuss:

    • Social and emotional learning (SEL)
    • Emotional intelligence (EQ)
    • The value of essential skills in the age of AI
    • The importance of relationships in human development
    • The application of neuroscience to education
    • The use of games to build skills
    • And several others...


    Mentioned in the conversation:

    • Psychological Safety
    • Harvard Study of Adult Development
    • The Loneliness Epidemic
    • Emotional Agility


    Learn more about Jenny and check out her games:

    • LinkedIn; Instagram
    • Mind Brain Emotion Website
    • Essential Human Skills Card Games on Amazon
    • 52 Essential Coping Skills
    • 52 Essential Relationship Skills
    • 52 Essential Critical Thinking Skills
    • 52 Essential Interview Skills
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    1 時間 10 分
  • #13 - Mike Christensen on Leveraging Thinking To Your Advantage

    #13 - Mike Christensen on Leveraging Thinking To Your Advantage
    2024/10/02
    In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with Mike Christensen, a counselor, trainer, and expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), about how our thoughts and beliefs influence how we feel, what we do, and ultimately, our ability to learn and perform. Mike and I discuss a range of CBT tools and techniques that are not only valuable to therapists and their patients, but can be used in any situation in which people might need to rethink things or change beliefs in order to learn or perform better. We also discuss how to use "deliberate practice" to improve at providing therapy, coaching, and beyond. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Mike and I discuss a range of topics, including: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and how what we think determines how we feel The difference between CBT and positive thinking David Burns’ new “TEAM” model of providing therapy and coaching The importance of measuring outcomes Why empathy is a necessary but not sufficient condition for change Overcoming resistance to change A bunch of techniques to help you untwist your thinking The importance of deliberate practice and feedback in improving Positive reframing A whole lot more… ABOUT THE GUEST: Mike Christensen. MACP, RCC, ACS serves as the Director of Professional Development at the Feeling Good Institute. He is a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors and holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. His diverse background in business, community organizations, and family support roles has provided Mike with a wide array of experience in leadership, administration, parenting training, and team building. He is a Certified Level 5 Master TEAM CBT Therapist and Trainer and is the Director of Feeling Good Institute Canada. He provides advanced level online training with the Feeling Good Institute for therapists around the world and is the co-author of “Deliberate Practice for TEAM CBT" with Dr. Maor Katz, Dr. Tony Roussmaniere and Dr. Alez Vaz. Mike lives in Canada with his wife and daughters. He is an avid cyclist and former swim coach. CONNECT WITH MIKE: Email: mike@feelinggoodinstitute.comWebsite: https://www.feelinggoodinstitute.com/find-cbt-therapist/mike-christensenLinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-christensen-5555bb50 MENTIONS, REFERENCES, AND RESOURCES: The Feeling Good InstituteTEAM-CBTDavid BurnsHines Ward on talentCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Feeling Good: The New Mood TherapyThe Cognitive ModelCognitive appraisal: How we THINK determines how we FEELCognitive distortionsCognitive restructuring (thought challenging)The cognitive triad (The CBT triangle)Behavioral experimentsExposure therapyCBT vs. positive thinkingTwo approaches to combating negative thoughts - counterattack and acceptanceMatthew MayBrian Johnson - Win or LearnAaron BeckTesting (T)Empathy (E)Agenda-Setting/Assessment of Resistance (A)Outcome vs. process resistanceAddictions as failed solutionsMethods (M)"Examine the Evidence" technique50 Techniques to Change Your ThinkingTherapy methods - behavioral, motivational, relational, cognitive, compassion-based, truth-basedThe "Semantic" methodThe "Best Friend/Double Standard" techniqueTools Not Schools of TherapyThe Recovery CircleFGI Fast Track to Level 3 certification programDeliberate practiceThe Deliberate Practice of TEAM-CBTZone of proximal development (ZOPD)Offering an "invitation" to a clientSitting with "open hands""Multiple choice" empathyGrowth mindset - Why there's no such thing as "I can't do it."Importance of high expectationsFacebook Live session with David Burns in which Mike failedLearning from role models and anti-role modelsSimone Biles failureReframing obstacles as opportunities
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    1 時間 47 分
  • #14 - Massimo Pigliucci on Stoicism for Learning, Performing, and Living Well

    #14 - Massimo Pigliucci on Stoicism for Learning, Performing, and Living Well
    2024/11/12
    In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher, professor, author, and expert on Stoicism and practical philosophy. Massimo and I discuss why humans should study philosophy and how modern people can apply the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to improve our ability to learn, perform, and live well. The episode provides a toolbox of Stoic principles and practices for us all to navigate an increasingly complex, chaotic, and uncertain world. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Massimo and I hit on a number of topics relevant to learning and performance, including: What is philosophy and why it matters to the average person The two main branches of philosophy - theoretical and practical Stoicism as a philosophy of life The three main components of philosophies as ways of life The Origins of Stoicism The three aspects of human nature The four cardinal virtues Key Stoic figures like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca and what they can teach modern people Common myths and misconceptions about Stoicism and other ancient philosophiesThe difference between intentions and outcomesAnalytical and practical techniques devised by the Stoics to help us be wiser and flourishA whole lot more! ABOUT THE GUEST: Massimo is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. Massimo holds PhDs in evolutionary biology and philosophy. He conducts research and teaches classes on topics including philosophy, philosophy of science, and Stoicism. Massimo’s authored several articles and books that make ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism, more accessible and applicable to everyday life. He’s part of Modern Stoicism, a movement to help revive Stoicism that has equipped many with tools to handle life’s challenges more effectively. You can learn more about him from Wikipedia. CONNECT WITH MASSIMO: WebsiteUniversity PageSubstackYouTubeStoa NovaModern Stoicism MENTIONS, REFERENCES, AND RESOURCES: Internal vs. external standardsBiological, machine, and human learningDefinition of PhilosophyTwo branches of philosophy - theoretical vs. practicalEudaimonia - flourishing in lifePlatoStoicismThe three components of philosophies as a way of life - Meta-physics, ethics, practicesLiving in accordance with natureZeno of Citium - founder of StoicismThree aspects of human nature - biology, rationality, socialityThe four cardinal virtues - practical wisdom, courage, justice, temperanceMarcus AureliusStoic training/practiceHow to Be a Stoic by Massimo PigliucciThe Meditations of Marcus AureliusThe Discourses of EpictetusEpictetus's EnchiridionSeneca's LettersStoic definition of "passion"Stoic vs. stoicEpicurean vs. epicureanA Handbook for New Stoics by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory LopezContemplative exercise: Philosophical journalingThe myth of learning from experience aloneMusonius RufusPhysical exercise: Fasting, abstaining, intentional mild discomfortDichotomy of control exerciseA Guide to the Good Life by Bill IrvineIntentions vs. outcomesGalenSetting internal vs. external goalsAristotle and aristotelianismEpicureanismThe Philosophy of CBT by Don RobertsonThe Role Ethics of Epictetus by Brian JohnsonHic et nunc - "Here and now" tattoo
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    1 時間 14 分
  • #8 - Todd Gerspach on Enhancing Executive Performance

    #8 - Todd Gerspach on Enhancing Executive Performance
    2024/02/28
    In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with Todd Gerspach, former C-level executive and founder of Fortitude Executive Coaching, about how executives can enhance their performance while maintaining some semblance of balance. In our conversation, we touch on a range of topics relevant to current and aspiring managers and leaders, including: Definitions of professional and personal successLearning from experienceLeadership vs. managementCoachingChange managementPersonal mission statements and value hierarchiesMental models of management and leadershipAnd a whole lot more! Mentioned in the conversation: 8:35:00 - John Wooden on success - https://www.thewoodeneffect.com/pyramid-of-success/ 12:19:00- Learning from experience - https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Experiential_learning13:08:00 - Definition of Management - https://monday.com/blog/project-management/four-functions-of-management/15:02:00 - CCT Trifecta - https://www.fortitudeexec.com/approach29:07:00 - Growth mindsethttps://fs.blog/carol-dweck-mindset/29:54:00 - Management vs. Leadership - https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/leadership-vs-management30:32:00 - Servant, transformational, and authentic leadership - https://www.fortitudeexec.com/leadership-philosophys33:00:00 - John Kotter - https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=649535:14:00 - The learning/performance dip - https://medium.com/@simply_stef/stages-of-learning-when-are-people-most-likely-to-give-up-on-a-new-skill-6131866e4e2140:00:00 - Internal/intrinsic vs. external/extrinsic motivationhttps://www.verywellmind.com/differences-between-extrinsic-and-intrinsic-motivation-279538440:40:00 - Personal values hierarchy - https://www.mindtools.com/a5eygum/what-are-your-values44:44:00 - Alan Mulally's family mission statement - https://www.inc.com/ayse-birsel/3-lessons-i-learned-from-ford-ceo-alan-mulally-about-being-a-better-parent.html44:49:00 - Stephen Covey on family missions - https://www.thebump.com/a/family-mission-statement45:33:00 - DISC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DISC_assessment45:34:00 - EQ - https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-emotional-intelligence-eq50:41:00 - ModelNetics - https://www.maineventmanagement.com/model-netics/51:46:00 - Delegation triangle - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/three-elements-delegation-victor-roosen/53:18:00 - The Seven Ports of Life - https://www.leedunnesoccer.com/post/the-7-ports-of-life54:00:00 - KASH Model - https://thepeakperformancecenter.com/educational-learning/learning/process/obtaining/obtaining-information/knowledge-skills-attitudes/kash/1:01:48 - Executive 360 Model - https://www.fortitudeexec.com/executive-coaching1:02:48 - Opportunity Wedge - https://liveyourwage.com/the-opportunity-wedge/1:08:07 - Job-crafting - https://hbr.org/2010/06/managing-yourself-turn-the-job-you-have-into-the-job-you-want Connect with Todd: LinkedInWebsiteYouTube
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    1 時間 19 分
  • #18 - Cathan Kabrelian on Compassionate Communication with Ourselves and Others

    #18 - Cathan Kabrelian on Compassionate Communication with Ourselves and Others
    2025/03/19
    In this episode of The Learning and Performance Podcast, I speak with the late Cathan Kabrelian, a leading expert in compassionate communication. Cathan was a trainer, speaker, retreat leader, and mentor, known for integrating compassionate communication into a wide range of fields, from education to corporate environments. Through her work as a trauma-informed Needs-Awareness Trainer, Certified Mindfulness Instructor, and Breath Coach, Cathan brought a unique depth to understanding and teaching not only effective communication skills but the self-awareness skills to transform conversations and relationships at work, at home, and in all those third spaces. Together, Cathan and I discussed why compassionate communication matters and how you can use it to live a more self-aware, wonderful, and connected life.Key TopicsIn the conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including:What is compassionate or non-violent communication, and why is it importantThe importance of feelings and needs awareness to life and relationshipsThe OFNR framework of observation, feelings, needs, requestsHow to translate thoughts and judgments into needsFeelings as a “radar” for detecting what we needShifting from blaming others to identifying our own values and needsWhy self-connection is necessary to connect with othersThree ways to navigate challenging feelingsTwo ways to practice compassionate communication - formal and real-lifeUsing compassionate communication at workAnd much more...Learn More About Cathan and NVCCathan's websiteIn Loving MemoryNVC by Marshall RosenbergNew York Center for NVCThe Compassion Course by Thom Bond and teamNotes,Mentions, and ResourcesIdentity - not just WHO we are or WHAT we do or believe but HOW we arePerformance - achieving tasks towards a goal with creativity, skill, and compassionate consideration of needsLearning - understanding something better than we did beforeLearning-Performance "Loops" - Learn, Practice, Perform.Compassionate/Non-Violent Communication (NVC)Needs awarenessNon-Violent Communication (NVC) by Marshall RosenbergOFNR Framework - Observations, Feelings, Needs, RequestsObservations - what we notice about ourselves, others, and the worldFeelings - sensations stimulated by met or unmet needsNeeds - universal life impulses; drivers of actionsRequests/Strategies - ways to meet our needsCompassion Course OnlineThe Compassion Book by Thom BondNY Center for NVC (NYCNVC)Effective practice is intentional, focused, awareTranslating Judgments Practice - translating judgments into feelings and needs/valuesShifting from judgment and blaming to connection, curiosity, and compassionPrinciple - everything we do we do to meet a need or valueFeelings as "radar" for needs, not something to fear or push awayApplying NVC at work - values and what matters>needs; focusing on individual self-connection leads to more curiosity, compassion, and connection with co-workersIt doesn't take two to change a conversation, only oneDealing with difficult feelings by connecting to met/unmet needs - (1) notice judgments/resistance/thinking, (2) tune into body sensations, (3) identify what you want/need and embody it, (4) think of a strategy to meet the needsFeelings and Needs listStudy by Brene Brown on average number of feelings of AmericansSelf-connect first to connect with others secondTwo types of practice for showing up better - formal and integrative/IRLCathan's website - Compassionate Thriving Types of Judgments - Value judgments, preferences, assessments vs. moralistic judgmentsHigh performance in life = showing up authentically and connecting with othersMindfulnessSomatic experiencing and breathworkCompassion vs. empathy
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    1 時間 24 分