Performance Diagnostic Framework

Gilbert's Behavior Engineering Model

Address these factors clockwise (1→6). Training comes LAST.

Performance Gap We're Addressing:

Environment
1
Data

People can't hit a target they can't see clearly.

Do employees know the standard to meet?

2
Instruments

You can't build a house using a butter knife.

Do they have the right tools and resources?

3
Incentives

People do what gets rewarded, not what gets requested.

Are rewards and recognition tied to performance?

Individual
6
Knowledge Training Solution

If 1-5 are handled and they still can't perform, it's training.

Do they have the required knowledge and skills?

5
Capacity

If the job requires abilities they don't have, training won't fix it.

Can they physically and mentally do it?

4
Motives

Perfect incentives fail if people don't value them.

Are they willing to work for the available incentives?

Decision

Training IS the solution

YES for boxes 1-5, and NO for box 6 (they lack knowledge/skills).

Training is NOT the solution

Any NO in boxes 1-5 reveals an upstream gap. Fix that first.

The real fix:
Problem
What performance gap are you solving?
Evidence
How did you verify training is the right solution?
Solution
What training approach will close the gap?
Impact
What changes, and how will you measure it?

Strengthen Your Pitch

Reference these elements as you refine your proposal

Make It Specific

  • Name the exact performance gap
  • Quantify if possible (time, errors, costs)
  • Identify who is affected

Show Your Homework

  • Reference your diagnostic findings
  • Explain why other solutions won't work
  • Demonstrate the knowledge gap

Define Success

  • What changes after training?
  • How will you measure improvement?
  • What's the timeline?

Address Sustainability

  • How will skills be reinforced?
  • What ongoing support is needed?
  • How will you train new staff?