The FocusU approach to learning
Learning interventions are a means to an end - improved performance - and not an end in itself.
The philosophy that drives our
learning design
Our approach is grounded in the research of Pollock, Jefferson & Wick
(The 6 Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning) and shaped by what we've
seen work, and not work - across hundreds of engagements.
Begin With Why
Learning interventions need to link-up to business outcomes
Qualify What Can Move the Needle
One size never fits all and training is not always the answer.
The Learning Event Is Not The Finish Line
Learning is a journey – it should be designed as one.
Plan For The Learning Transfer Too
If what is learnt is not applied, the entire intervention is just a tick mark exercise
Aligning Managers is Critical For Learning Transfer
If reporting managers are not aligned to what was taught, learning is doomed
Measuring Impact Drives Accountability
What gets measured, gets done.
The FocusU Learning Design Process
Every FocusU engagement moves through four phases.
Preparation Phase
- What do learners already know?
- What is the background of the learners?
- How can we prime learners with the right attitudes and expectations?
Learning Delivery
- Which is the most appropriate learning methodology to use in this context?
- Do learners understand and buy-in to the finish line for the intervention
Learning Transfer
- How do we ensure continuation of learning beyond the learning delivery stage?
- How can we monitor, support and manage the learning transfer process?
Measuring Impact
- What is the best way to ensure workplace application?
- What is the best way to capture and document application of learning?
What this looks like in practice
Every intervention needs the right vehicle to carry it. We pick from across the
methodology spectrum and most programs blend two or more.
The choice depends on three things: who the learners are,
where they sit, and what behaviour change you're after.
We make that call together in the Preparation phase, not before.
Designed the FocusU Way
Convictions tell us what to believe. They don’t tell us how to
design the actual learning delivery.
For that, we evolved FACETS – a six-part filter every FocusU
program runs through. It’s how we translate our beliefs into
design choices that actually hold up in the room.
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F
Feedback
Does the design help learners know the gap they need to bridge before they leave the classroom?
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A
Application
Does the design give an opportunity to apply the learning to their context within the classroom?
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C
Contextual
Is the content relevant to their industry & their day-to-day work?
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E
Experiential
Are we helping learners to “arrive at a realization” or are we only stuffing them with knowledge?
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T
Tailored
Is the learning personalized to the lived experiences of the individual learner?
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S
Stimulating
Does the overall flow stimulate thinking and imagination in the learner?
Hover over the card
FACETS is why our clients tell us their people don’t just attend our programs — they remember them.
How we measure what changed
Most L&D measurement stops at “did learners enjoy it?” That’s not enough.
Our approach follows Will Thalheimer’s LTEM framework – a more honest way to measure whether learning actually moved the needle. We design measurement into every engagement, so by the time we hand a program back to you, you know exactly what changed.
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see an answer to your question?
Drop us an email and we will get back
Impact measurement will depend on what methodologies are incorporated in your learning journey. Based on the data we are able to collect within a given methodology, we can create and share a report with you at the end of the journey. This is an optional service which you can choose to select – please let us know if this is something you require.
Yes, we can help you with internal communication too. It is an optional service that clients can choose to select. Do speak to us about it.
Yes, program management is a big part of what we can help you with. It is an optional service that clients can choose to select. Do speak to us about it.
Yes, we can host the journey on a SaaS based LMS platform managed by us or it could be hosted on yours too, if you prefer that. Each option has its pros and cons that can be discussed.
A learning journey could be as short as a month (if done intensively) or as long as 12 months, depending on the scope of what needs to be achieved.
When you get in touch with us, our experienced client advisory team members will guide you through a series of questions which will help arrive at this decision. However, if you believe you have a certain preference, please share with us.
What clients say
"It's not about the content or activities. Those can be replicated by others. It's what the FocusU team does with them which makes the experience so special."
Ritesh Ranjan, Director L&D, CGI — “Laser precision in everything they did.”
Karan Sapra, Head – West, Aditya Birla — “Easily one of the best sessions I’ve attended in a long time… you can notice the change in attitudes on the floor.”
Sunanda Gulati, L&D Head, NXP Semiconductors — “Without a shadow of doubt, one of the finest team building events I’ve experienced.”
Ketki Desai, SMOLLAN — “You helped me understand new concepts in 15–30 minutes and challenged me to think through different issues.”
Want to see this applied to your context?
Every program we design starts with one conversation: about your people, your business, and what “from knowing to doing” looks like for you.