Training isn't the problem. Thinking is.
L&D leaders often face this scenario: comprehensive training has been rolled out, new systems introduced, and feedback forms look great. Yet behaviours don’t change – and neither do results.
This isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s exactly what I encountered when working with a professional services firm whose training programme had ticked all the right boxes – except the one that actually moves the needle: improved performance.
The issue wasn’t the training content. It was the thinking behind it – and that’s where transformation begins.
If you’re responsible for leadership development, capability building or culture change, you’ve likely felt this before. Training alone won’t change your organisation. Thinking will. And that’s where Go M.A.D. Thinking comes in.
Why traditional training often fails to deliver real change
Let me be clear: I’m not against training. I’ve spent my career designing learning experiences. But if your goal is to develop real capability and change behaviours, training alone won’t get you there. Here’s why:
1. You can’t shift behaviour without shifting thinking
Most training focuses on knowledge and skill. But people act based on how they think. If someone doesn’t believe change is possible, or doesn’t see the value in changing, or doesn’t feel equipped to take ownership – the behaviour won’t change.
2. L&D teams are measured on completion, not impact
Attendance rates, feedback scores, and course completions are easy to measure. Behaviour change and business impact are harder – so they’re often ignored. But if no one applies what they’ve learned, what’s the point?
3. Managers are rarely part of the process
Even the most enthusiastic participant needs follow-up support. But unless line managers are actively involved in reinforcing the learning, people default to the status quo.
4. Content is prioritised over context
Generic programmes might tick boxes, but they don’t connect to the real-world challenges people face. Without relevance, even great learning content struggles to land.
So, what’s the alternative?
How do you go beyond workshops and build real capability?
Answer: you change how people think.
That’s what the Go M.A.D. Results Framework does.
How Go M.A.D. Thinking builds mindset, not just skills
We help organisations embed a culture of possibility-based thinking. We teach leaders and teams to think with purpose, clarity, and confidence. And we do it using a practical, proven approach that delivers measurable results.
Make thinking visible
We equip learners with simple, powerful questions they can use immediately. Questions like:
- What result are we seeking?
- Why does it matter?
- What might we possibly do?
- What will we now prioritise?
These aren’t just reflective prompts. They become everyday thinking tools that help people move from intention to action.
Build shared language across the business
From HR to Operations to frontline leaders, we introduce a common way of thinking. The 7 Go M.A.D. Principles become embedded into conversations, coaching sessions and decision-making processes. That’s how mindset becomes muscle.
Connect learning to live business problems
We don’t train in a vacuum. Our learning interventions are anchored in live challenges that matter to the organisation. This builds relevance, application and momentum.
Involve leaders at every level
We support line managers to reinforce learning through their own actions. We show them how to use the Go M.A.D. questions in 1:1s, team reviews and project retros. That’s where the change really sticks.
Track progress through 60-day Improvement Projects
Mindset doesn’t shift overnight. That’s why we use 60-day impact cycles. Learners apply the tools to a specific challenge and track results over two months. It builds belief and creates visible, measurable progress.
A better question to ask about your next learning programme
Instead of asking, “What training should we deliver?” ask:
- What thinking do we want to develop?
- What result will that thinking help us achieve?
- How will we measure progress in 60 days?
When L&D becomes a thinking partner to the business, everything changes.
Final thought
Training isn’t the goal. Better results are.
And better results come from better thinking.
That’s what we help organisations do every day. Shift thinking. Change behaviour. Deliver results.
If you’re ready to go beyond the classroom and build real capability, let’s talk.
