About Cal
Cal Wick is an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute, specializing in transforming formal learning into measurable workplace performance improvements.
Who is Cal Wick?
Cal Wick is a leading authority in ensuring that learning translates into tangible results within organizations. He is recognized for his focus on the practical application of knowledge gained through corporate training programs, addressing the common challenge where individuals struggle to apply what they learn in their work environments. Wick's work has significantly influenced how companies approach learning and development, emphasizing measurable outcomes over mere participation in training.
His methodologies are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world performance, making learning a continuous process rather than a series of isolated events. This focus on actionable learning has established him as a key figure in organizational effectiveness.
Quick facts about Cal Wick
| Role | Founder |
| Company | Fort Hill Company |
| Expertise | Learning application, performance improvement, organizational development |
| Notable for | Follow-Through Management®, 70-20® methodology, solving the learning transfer problem |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Cal Wick known for?
- Developing Follow-Through Management®: A proprietary methodology designed to ensure the application of learned skills in the workplace.
- Pioneering the 70-20® methodology and technology: Activating the "Learning Side of Work" by integrating formal learning (10%) with on-the-job application (70%) and coaching (20%).
- Solving the learning transfer problem: Creating scalable and verifiable ways to trigger the application of learning that leads to improved performance.
- Shifting learning from an event to a process: Advocating for continuous learning and skill application rather than one-time training programs.
- Establishing new industry standards for measuring outcomes: Demonstrating measurable performance improvements months after training.
- Named "Thought Leader of the Year": Recognized by the Association of Learning Providers for his innovative contributions to the field.
What is Cal Wick's background and experience?
With over 30 years dedicated to studying the application of learning in work settings, Cal Wick has focused his career on understanding and solving the pervasive challenge of learning transfer. For over 17 years, he has led Fort Hill Company, where he developed advanced solutions for enhancing learning efficacy.
At Fort Hill Company, Wick spearheaded the creation of web-based tools and methodologies aimed at improving learning transfer and ensuring that training investments yield improved performance outcomes. His extensive experience underpins his practical and results-oriented approach to organizational learning.
What topics does Cal Wick speak and write about?
Cal Wick focuses on the critical intersection of learning and performance within organizations. His work revolves around the idea that for training to be truly effective, what is learned in formal programs must be consistently applied in daily work to drive tangible performance improvements. He explores how organizations can move beyond traditional training models to create a culture of continuous learning and application.
Wick's discussions often cover the practical implementation of the 70-20® methodology, emphasizing how informal learning and coaching play crucial roles alongside formal instruction. He also addresses the strategic significance of metrics, demonstrating how to measure the real-world impact of learning initiatives and establish new industry benchmarks for success.
How does Cal Wick contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute, Cal Wick brings his deep understanding of learning application and performance improvement to BPI's global network of HR and leadership professionals. His expertise directly supports BPI's mission to identify and disseminate best practices that foster Most Loved Workplaces®.
Wick's insights are invaluable to BPI members seeking to enhance their organizational development and talent management strategies. His work aligns with BPI's focus on practical, research-backed approaches, helping organizations to develop leaders and engage employees more effectively by ensuring that learning initiatives translate directly into improved business outcomes and contribute to a thriving workplace culture, echoing the principles of the SPARK Model.
Where can you learn more from Cal Wick?
Professionals interested in Cal Wick's methods for maximizing learning application and improving performance can explore his expert profile and resources available through the Best Practice Institute. His work, particularly on the 70-20® methodology, offers actionable strategies for turning learning into sustained workplace results.