In the Trenches of Change Is Published
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 15, 2026 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Also in April 2026, Steven Kelly and Mari Novak published their memoir, In the Trenches of Change, a book recounting their continuing adventures in international development. The memoir follows their work applying performance improvement across a wide range of institutional and cultural settings, with an emphasis on reform, adaptation, and hard-won lessons from the field. The book brings together decades of experience in a single narrative.
Steven Kelly Receives ISPI Gary Rummler Award
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 3, 2026 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In April 2026, Steven Kelly received the ISPI Gary Rummler Award for the Advancement of Performance Improvement at the Nashville conference. The award honors individuals who carry forward Rummler’s legacy by advancing both the practice and profession of performance improvement. For Kelly, it marked recognition of a career spent applying systems thinking and performance improvement in demanding real-world settings. Remarks from the award presentation are available here.
Opinion Piece Reflects on the Ending of USAID
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 16, 2025 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In April 2025, Steven Kelly published an opinion piece with DSA Ireland on the ending of USAID and what that development could mean for the future of international development work. The commentary offered a sharp view of the broader implications for institutional reform, donor-driven capacity development, and the impact on transitioning societies. Grounded in long field experience, the piece offered both analysis and reflection on a major turning point in the development landscape.
Memoir Project Begins
Posted by Steven Kelly | January 20, 2025 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In January 2025, Steven Kelly and Mari Novak began writing a memoir based on 40 years of work in performance improvement and international development. The project was conceived as both a personal narrative and a professional reflection, focusing on lessons learned across diverse countries, institutions, and reform efforts. The aim was to capture not just the events themselves, but the deeper insights others might draw from decades of field experience.
ISPI EMEA Lecture Focuses on Building a Consultancy
Posted by Steven Kelly | October 30, 2022 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In October 2022, Steven Kelly delivered an online lecture for the ISPI EMEA conference on building a performance improvement consultancy. Drawing on decades of international consulting experience, the talk addressed the practical realities of creating and sustaining a professional practice in the field. The presentation offered guidance for practitioners seeking to combine technical expertise with business development, and it remains available online through YouTube.
Interview with Steven Kelly, Partner KNO
Posted by Steven Kelly | August 10, 2021 | Category: KNO Worldwide
An in-depth interview with Steven Kelly discussing KNO’s approach to performance improvement and institutional capacity building in international development.
Interview with Mari Novak, Partner KNO
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 27, 2021 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Mari Novak shares her perspective on decades of work in performance improvement and organizational development across Central Europe and beyond.
Post COVID Keynote Address for Rwandan Consultants
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 7, 2021 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Steven delivered a keynote address for the Rwanda Organization for Professional Management Consultants, discussing post-COVID challenges and opportunities in consulting.
Article Revisits Unintended Consequences in Kyrgyzstan
Posted by Steven Kelly | November 15, 2020 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In fall 2020, Steven Kelly and Mari Novak published “Doing Things Right” in ISPI Performance Xpress, reflecting on a case in Kyrgyzstan where unintended consequences complicated what first appeared to be a successful project. The article explored how well-meant interventions can produce unexpected outcomes when broader system effects are overlooked. It served as a pointed reminder that performance improvement is not only about achieving results, but understanding the conditions those results create.
Cases on Performance Improvement Innovation
Posted by Steven Kelly | July 9, 2020 | Category: KNO Worldwide
A North Cyprus project demonstrated that eighty percent (80%) of the projects completed within timeframe and budget after performance-driven training. The book documenting these cases is available on Amazon.
New Paper Explores Performance Improvement and Time Banking
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 28, 2020 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In April 2020, Steven Kelly published a paper in ISPI Performance Xpress on community time banking and its potential to strengthen local cohesion. The article examined how performance improvement methods could be applied to improve the design and functioning of these community exchange systems. By connecting professional practice with grassroots initiatives, the paper offered a practical look at how structured thinking can support stronger, more resilient communities.
Practicing Masterful Performance Improvement: Classic Symphony or Modern Jazz
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 28, 2020 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In May 2020, Steven Kelly published a white paper exploring the tension between structured and adaptive approaches to performance improvement. Drawing on decades of experience from the US Army to international development, Kelly uses the metaphor of classical symphony versus modern jazz to contrast methodological styles. The paper is available as both a full white paper and a condensed article published in the Performance Improvement Journal.
Gift for Spring: Free Download of Performance Assessment & Analysis
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 1, 2020 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In May 2020, the PAAx publishing team offered 200 complimentary PDF copies of the full Performance Assessment & Analysis book. Steven Kelly, Mari Novak, and Ingrid Guerra-Lopez made the offer during the COVID-19 isolation period, noting it was a good time to share professional knowledge and experience. The free download was available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a request that readers leave a short review on Amazon.
Taking Stock of Gender Equality Efforts 25+ Years On
Posted by Steven Kelly | February 5, 2020 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Mari Novak attended the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 18th Annual Civil Society Forum on Human Rights, covering ‘Beijing+25: Taking Stock of Progress on Gender Equality.’ Her analysis, published in the Irish Examiner, praised the forum’s organization and qualified presenters but noted the lack of clarity on how collected wisdom would be implemented. She identified three core issues undermining progress: perspective, system dynamics, and terminology. Novak concluded that when decision makers do not know the difference between strategic and tactical, they cannot understand how to construct and link policies and processes needed for systemic change.
Steven Kelly Joins Ireland Our Time Bank Board
Posted by Steven Kelly | January 15, 2020 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In January 2020, Steven Kelly joined the board of Ireland Our Time Bank in West Cork, bringing his experience in governance and finance to the community-based initiative. Elected treasurer, he took on responsibility for helping guide the organization’s financial oversight and development. His appointment reflected a growing commitment to applying performance improvement principles not only in international settings, but also in local community-building efforts in Ireland.
KNO Celebrates 40 Years
Posted by Steven Kelly | December 15, 2019 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Founder Steven J. Kelly and partner M. Mari Novak celebrated the 40th anniversary of KNO with a reunion of colleagues in Prague. KNO relocated headquarters to Prague (and later an office in Bratislava) in 1991, just after the Velvet Revolution. KNO was instrumental in supporting such Fortune 500 clients as Opel/GM, Kimberly Clark, IBM, Citibank, KPMG, McDonalds and many others as they set up operations in the new open economy. The celebration in a historical Prague hospoda was joined by colleagues who were part of the team during the 1990s and first decade of the new century. Hosted by Michaela Karasková, KNO Cesko, it was a wonderful opportunity to both remember exciting stories and celebrate the dynamic careers carved by these exceptional professionals in the past decades.
Getting Better Results with Adaptive Programming
Posted by Steven Kelly | November 5, 2019 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO Partners Steven Kelly and Mari Novak are active in the Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI), whose mission is to provide a national platform for dialogue between researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners in international development. Steven participates in the Adaptive Programming Study Group, which addresses how development work functions in complex, often volatile contexts where change is not necessarily linear and cannot be predicted. The approach shifts emphasis from traditional results-based management with fixed deliverables and timetables to doing what seems to be working, enabling programs to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities while establishing stronger theories of change.
ISPI EMEA Autumn Conference in Skopje
Posted by Steven Kelly | September 1, 2019 | Category: KNO Worldwide
ISPI EMEA invited attendees to join their 18th conference in Skopje, North Macedonia, September 26–28, 2019. The theme was ‘Innovate and Improve Work Results: Trends and Opportunities across All Sectors.’ ISPI EMEA Conferences are purposefully intimate in size, with format, content, and presenters designed to attract executives and professionals from diverse backgrounds. The conference fosters the building of relationships rather than just the exchange of business cards, with a highly participative atmosphere that supports getting to know people and building lasting professional connections.
Autumn PAAx Certification Webinar starts September 25th, 2018
Posted by Steven Kelly | August 16, 2018 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO is pleased to announce the upcoming schedule for the Performance Assessment and Analysis Specialist Certification programs. The webinar-based credential program, in partnership with ISPI, involves a highly interactive and intense simulation that allows participants to plan and analyze research in a compressed period. Valuable tools and templates for planning, responding to RFPs and reporting are included and actively used. The PAAx Analyst certification is scheduled one-on-one with candidates who have previously obtained the Specialist credential. This certification is achieved by conducting an actual assessment with KNO expert coaching and observation. Although it includes an orientation webinar, it is purely awarded based on candidate performance leading an assessment. Autumn 2018: 11AM – 1:30PM U.S. Eastern Time, Sept 25, 27 & Oct 2, 4, 9. Winter 2019: 11AM – 1:30PM U.S. Eastern Time, Feb 19, 21, 26, 28 & Mar 5. Autumn 2019: 11AM – 1:30PM U.S. Eastern Time, Sept 24, 26 & Oct 1, 3, 8. Contact Steven Kelly for further information at steven.kelly.kno@gmail.com.
Performance Assessment Certification Launch in 2018
Posted by Steven Kelly | October 27, 2017 | Category: KNO Worldwide
For decades KNO/IFNAE have been at the forefront of implementing rigorous and effective performance improvement methodologies in capacity building programs for a variety of donor-funded international development initiatives worldwide. The organization refined their assessment approach into a certification program. The PAAx Specialist Program offers two 2018 online sessions with five dates each, running 11AM–1:30PM U.S. Eastern Time. Winter dates: January 23, 25, 30, February 1, 6. Spring dates: May 15, 17, 22, 24, 29. The program draws from the book Performance Assessment and Analysis. The International Society for Performance Improvement awards the credential.
Performance Assessment and Analysis Now Available
Posted by Steven Kelly | October 4, 2017 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This book reveals the secret of success for performance assessment for all who want to become master organization improvement practitioners. It emphasizes the importance of rigor, evidence, holistic thinking, and careful analysis in designing capacity development efforts. A practical blueprint for every performance improvement professional. Book excerpts available for download.
ISPI EMEA Conference – Bologna, Italy
Posted by Steven Kelly | September 16, 2017 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO partners Mari Novak and Steven Kelly attended the recent EMEA performance improvement conference. They were joined by colleague Ingrid Guerra-Lopez for a presentation on Performance Assessment and Analysis. The presentation focused on ‘conundrums’ when doing assessments in the field with examples from Rep. of Georgia, Macedonia, Rwanda, Kyrgyzstan, Slovakia, Jordan and Vietnam. A copy of the handout is linked here. Photos by Juan Pablo Ortiz.
Successful completion of 5 year Rwanda capacity building effort
Posted by Steven Kelly | June 13, 2017 | Category: KNO Worldwide
The 7th of June marked the formal conclusion of the 5 year USAID funded Human and Institutional Capacity Development (HICD) project in Rwanda. Implemented by Development Alternatives Inc., KNO was the primary subcontractor providing technical performance improvement and HICD services. These included initial performance assessments, designing intervention solution packages, and providing specific expertise in areas such as strategy, monitoring/evaluation, quality assurance, advocacy and communications. A major component of the work was the support for a Performance Improvement oriented Community of Practice that evolved during the duration of the project into a chapter of the International Society for Performance Improvement.
Rwanda Professionals Certified as Performance Driven Project Managers
Posted by Steven Kelly | March 15, 2017 | Category: KNO Worldwide
During March this year, 14 Rwandan managers were certified by KNO experts through the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) with the PDPM credential. This group was a subset of approximately 40 professionals who took an introductory workshop in November 2016 under the USAID HICD/R initiative, and subsequently undertook the strenuous 5 month certification process. The foundation of this work was the planning and execution of an actual project within their institution using the PDPM tools and methods. The certification was led by KNO Partner Mari Novak and Senior Associate Timm Esque, and coordinated by Immy Mulekatete of HICD/R. An additional workshop sponsored by USAID HICD/R was held in March for health care professionals to support the delivery of their diverse health services work in Rwanda.
Kyrgyz Consultants Strengthen Performance Capabilities
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 5, 2016 | Category: KNO Worldwide
The end of March concluded the 6 month capacity development program for senior management consultants in Kyrgyzstan. Funded by USAID, implemented by the IRG Good Government and Public Administration Strengthening project, KNO designed and delivered together with expert co-trainers the multi-module program. The entire effort, which included workshops, simulation, and a practicum with national Kyrgyzstan institutions, is described in a final report in Kyrgyz, Russian and English language. A closing ceremony featured the USAID Country Mission Director personally issuing certificates to consultants. Practicum organizations attended and highly spoke of the recommendations they received to improve their institutions’ performance. Consultants not only learned various tools and approaches, they also established networks and partnerships, with several forming teams and already realizing new projects.
Mari Novak Receives Prestigious Award
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 4, 2015 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO Partner Mari Novak was honored at the recent International Society for Performance Improvement conference with the prestigious Geary Rummler award for the Advancement of Performance Improvement. In the short video at this link, she makes some comments after an introduction by ISPI President Klaus Wittkuhn.
Process mapping from simple to complex
Posted by Steven Kelly | February 10, 2015 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In this TED talk, Tom Wujec addresses how to solve process problems. Making toast doesn’t sound very complicated — until someone asks you to draw the process, step by step. Tom Wujec loves asking people and teams to draw how they make toast, because the process reveals unexpected truths about how we can solve our biggest, most complicated problems at work.
Calculating Potential to Improve Performance Part 1
Posted by Steven Kelly | December 20, 2014 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This entry presents an overview of the method for calculating PiPs — potentials to improve performance. The initial 10 minutes utilizes a sales example for the scenario.
Calculating Potential to Improve Performance Part 2
Posted by Steven Kelly | December 19, 2014 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This is Part 2 of Steven J Kelly presenting the basics of calculating PiPs using a Production example.
Building Management Capacity in Vietnam
Posted by Steven Kelly | November 27, 2014 | Category: KNO Worldwide
During the summer, KNO started working on a new long-term project funded by the American government in Vietnam. The focus of the work is performance improvement and capacity development. The initial organizations include non-profit groups working in the areas of supporting people with disabilities and family health. It is estimated that 15% of the population are disabled. The goal is to strengthen their management and operations abilities to provide services. Over the next couple of years KNO will be supporting a local project office and building up a team of local consultants to provide ongoing support. Vietnam has a population of almost 100 million in a land mass just 4 times larger than Ireland. Using performance improvement principles, the key is to take systemic approaches to insure advice takes into account all the relevant influences.
Building Capacity with Rwandan Consultants
Posted by Steven Kelly | July 30, 2014 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Rwanda is progressing toward meeting Millennium Development Goals and leads the continent in healthcare and economic growth. The USAID-funded Human and Institutional Capacity Development project supports government institutions using Performance Improvement approaches. KNO partnered with DAI since 2012 to deliver this program. Beginning in 2013, the project trained 60 consultants through workshops. The project launched CPT certification preparation courses through ISPI, and Rwanda currently has more CPT-trained professionals than any other African nation. On May 29th, an ISPI Rwanda Chapter launch event attracted over 100 attendees. Ten senior business leaders formed a temporary steering committee, positioning Rwanda as Africa’s most CPT-certified nation and a regional resource center.
Facilitating Strategic Progress in Tbilisi
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 15, 2014 | Category: KNO Worldwide
The end of March brought to conclusion an 18 month assignment to provide strategic and operational support to the Republic of Georgia electric transmission company. This was a joint project by KNO and PMCG funded by the USAID HICD PLUS program. Mari Novak, KNO partner, led the local PMCG professional team in both the assessment and technical assistance phases. The project focused initially on high level indicators to drive the strategic plan across the company. Later interventions included analysis of critical work processes, change management tactics, business case approaches to investment decisions, operation procedures and project management skills.
Performance Driven Training in Business
Posted by Steven Kelly | October 24, 2013 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In celebration of KNO Slovensko’s 20-year success in Slovakia, KNO sponsored a business breakfast for the American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia. Over 70 business managers attended, focusing on how training delivers business results and addresses CEO/CFO concerns about training ROI. The workshop featured Steven J. Kelly and M. Mari Novak, with topics including the six-cell Behavior Engineering Model and the New World Kirkpatrick Evaluation method for improving training program design and workplace skill transfer.
Anatomy of Performance
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 30, 2013 | Category: KNO Worldwide
In the early 1960s, Geary Rummler and Dale Brethower began working on a method of organization analysis that was later refined as ‘the anatomy of performance.’ Robert Lengacher has prepared an excellent overview to the method useful as either an introduction or a quick review.
Is Training Really the Answer?
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 14, 2013 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Cathy Moore recently published a short video using a flowchart that will help you identify the best solution to a performance problem, whether it’s a job aid, a workflow improvement, training, or something else. It’s based on action mapping, her streamlined approach to instructional design. The video is short, just 8 minutes, and walks through a discussion with a client showing how some quick questions can save days of unnecessary training development.
Enhancing Jordan’s Education Sector
Posted by Steven Kelly | March 29, 2013 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO partner Mari Novak is leading a combined international and local team in a dTS implemented assessment to provide recommendations for USAID future education sector investments.
Building Capacity in Rwanda
Posted by Steven Kelly | February 22, 2013 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO is involved in a 5 year USAID funded project in Rwanda in support of the DAI implemented Human & Institutional Capacity Development program. In a rare moment, the entire team is in the office for a photo opportunity.
ISPI Conference in Lisbon
Posted by Steven Kelly | September 28, 2012 | Category: KNO Worldwide
We spent a wonderful few days in professional development and enjoying the beauty of the city. In conjunction with Timm Esque of Ensemble Consulting, we led a half-day Performance Driven Project Management workshop.
Strengthening Economic Institutions in Kyrgyzstan
Posted by Steven Kelly | August 26, 2012 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Steven Kelly, a KNO partner, completed a challenging assessment project over several months this summer. Working collaboratively with PDC, a Bishkek-based firm, and supported by the Deloitte REFORMA project, the team examined the Ministry of Economy to propose institutional performance reforms.
Georgian Top Managers Take Too Much Burden on Themselves
Posted by Steven Kelly | June 8, 2012 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Interview with Mari Novak, performance management expert, discussing challenges in Georgian companies. Key topics addressed include strategic planning difficulties, delegation resistance among senior managers, and organizational structure issues. Novak emphasizes that strategic importance of delegating responsibilities is not well understood by Georgian companies. She describes working with Georgian State Electro Company (GSE) on performance management systems and discusses how planning must cascade from strategy to operations to projects. The interview explores why Georgian managers struggle with delegation, comparing management approaches across regions, and includes case studies demonstrating how poor departmental integration affects product quality and employee retention. Novak possesses 30+ years experience improving organizational and individual results across corporate, development, and governmental sectors.
Beyond Kirkpatrick
Posted by Steven Kelly | June 4, 2012 | Category: KNO Worldwide
A commentary by Dr. Allison Rossett on evaluating performance improvement beyond the Kirkpatrick framework. Allison maintains a blog with additional resources on the topic.
Performance-based Training
Posted by Steven Kelly | June 3, 2012 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Two great lectures from 30 years ago that address the absolute key issues in designing great training. The first features Neil Rackham, creator of SPIN selling methodology, who discusses key criteria for training design success. The second presentation by Geary Rummler emphasizes training within the performance system — especially on consequences that control the performers actions. Thanks to Guy Wallace at EPPIC for making these available through YouTube.
Overview to Human & Institutional Capacity Development (HICD)
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 11, 2012 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This is a recent 30 minute brown bag lunch presentation provided to an audience in Washington DC. It is a broad overview of the HICD method illustrating the links to Human Performance Technology. It follows several other briefings on 'What is HPT' and 'How to Get CPT Certified' that went into greater detail concerning the models and tools. The orientation also includes a short discussion of the evolution of HICD over several decades from its early training roots through to the current holistic performance improvement framework.
IFTDO Award for Cyprus Project
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 27, 2012 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO received a 2012 certificate of merit from the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations for the Performance Driven Project Management program serving the Turkish Cypriot Community. Christine Marsh CPT accepted the award with remarks noting that KNO, with headquarters in Slovakia, is extremely honored to be awarded a Certificate of Merit in the work life balance category for 2012. The program demonstrated immediate and lasting value in a region affected by historical conflict. The initiative received funding from the United States Agency for International Development through World Learning's capacity development project. The credential earned approval from the International Society for Performance Improvement, enabling ISPI certification for both managers and consultants in PDPM.
Celebrating 20 Years in Prague
Posted by Steven Kelly | October 9, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This post commemorates two decades since KNO Cesko's founding in Prague during autumn 1991, following the fall of communism. Founder Steven Kelly, who established KNO in 1979 after military service, and partner M. Mari Novak (joined 1984) arrived in Czechoslovakia and initially operated from a small flat before opening their first office at Benesovska 21 villa in Vinohrady. Early projects included a five-year sales and service training partnership with GM/Opel and country-wide salary surveys with Coopers and Lybrand (later PricewaterhouseCoopers). Over 70 training programs were conducted in Prague for USAID audiences across 15 years. In 1993, KNO began partnering with World Learning on USAID-funded training initiatives. Hana Hanibalova joined in 1995 for program coordination, and Michaela Karaskova joined in 1999 focusing on customer service research. By the time of this post, Hana and Michaela held majority ownership of the Czech firm.
Innovation in Government: Republic of Georgia
Posted by Steven Kelly | October 5, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This post discusses a McKinsey report analyzing government service innovations in transitioning countries, particularly Kenya and Georgia. The narrative focuses on improvements to the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) under Georgia's Ministry of Justice. NAPR was selected for American donor support in 2006 as part of USAID's Public Administration Reform program. KNO consultants M. Mari Novak and Steven Kelly conducted performance assessments and applied Human Performance Technology (HPT) methods to capacity building challenges. Mari assessed NAPR while Kelly worked simultaneously in Batumi with the Autonomous Republic. Initial conditions were austere — offices traded floppy discs for data transfers and operated on minimal budgets. The piece credits NAPR's progressive manager and staff for sustained improvements across multiple funding intervals from American and international sources, including EU support. It is a great case study of capacity development really working.
Promoting Performance in Macedonia
Posted by Steven Kelly | September 27, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO partners attended the ISPI EMEA regional performance conference in Skopje, Macedonia. Dr. Fatmir Besimi, Macedonia's Minister of Defense, participated in a simulation based on a 2009 case when he served as Minister of Economy. Steven J. Kelly led a consulting team including Tanja Georgievska and Ivana Strihic from World Learning Macedonia in a USAID-funded assessment that enhanced operational and communication outcomes. Partners Mari Novak and Anna Cermakova presented on Performance Driven Project Management methodology alongside colleague Timm Esque from EMC.
Strengthening Regional Best Practices
Posted by Steven Kelly | August 30, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Staff from American Chamber of Commerce offices in four Central European countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Czech Republic) gathered below the Slovak Tatry Mountains in Nova Lesna for a two and a half day training. The program targeted strengthening of professional skills, sharing of regional best practices, and building inter-office relationships. Highly interactive, the focus was on building individual skills in communication, project planning and execution, as well as time and resource management. As a portion of the learning, participants took on several outdoor simulation tasks to challenge their abilities and enhance skills. The training was facilitated by KNO partners Mari Novak and Steven Kelly.
The Key is Execution
Posted by Steven Kelly | June 30, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Most companies struggle not with planning but with execution in the midst of the daily grind. FranklinCovey describes a concept called the whirlwind — the urgent daily events that derail important goals. There are specific, discipline-demanding steps to overcome this challenge. FranklinCovey's 4 Disciplines for Execution provides a powerful framework for driving strategic priorities through the noise of daily operations.
CEO Demands for Training Evaluation and ROI
Posted by Steven Kelly | June 6, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This article explores training ROI measurement challenges, noting that most firms proceed on gut instinct. It features insights from Jack and Pattie Phillips of the ROI Institute, who have spent decades developing evaluation methodologies and certifying professionals. The post highlights 2009 CEO preference data regarding training evaluation reporting and emphasizes that CEOs are critical for the budgeting approval process.
Evaluation Starts Before the Training Happens
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 27, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO works with clients to strengthen evaluation approaches for performance and training initiatives. The organization's Partners are ISPI Certified Performance Technologists with extensive assessment experience. Recently, two Partners became Kirkpatrick Certified for program evaluation. The company designs training flowing from required business results, conducting a simple PiP analysis to estimate potential return on investment. Success typically requires addressing all performance components: clear expectations, knowledge/skills, incentives, ongoing feedback loops and adequate resources. The Kirkpatrick 4 Level Evaluation model links business results to staff behaviors, with training designed to build necessary knowledge supported by workplace drivers including reinforcement, encouragement, and rewards. Research shows organizations spend excessive energy investigating participant reactions rather than training transfer of behaviors and linking to the business goals. Robert Brinkerhoff offers alternative approaches like the Success Case Method. Donald Clark presents Backwards Planning methodology. Jack and Patti Phillips refined an ROI methodology sometimes called Level 5. All successful approaches focus on end results before training design begins.
The Performance Conference 2011
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 5, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
The 2011 ISPI conference theme centered on THE Performance Improvement Conference, launching a new Research-to-Practice Day component. With focus on performance technology, ISPI positions itself as a powerful force for helping organizations successfully adapt to the ever-changing business environment. During the April 8-13, 2011 Orlando conference, participants learned from expert presenters discussing adaptation to external environmental forces and innovation implementation. Attendees discovered solutions to significant organizational problems, shared best practices, and networked with industry leaders globally. KNO Partner Steven Kelly attended, discussing 2012 awards with Jetblue's Jason Lei. The upcoming 2012 Toronto conference will provide opportunities to learn and share, building on existing knowledge and improving application skills.
KNO Partner Re-elected to ISPI Board of Directors
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 22, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO Partner Steven J Kelly has been re-elected to the ISPI Board of Directors after a one year absence for the term 2011-2013. During the first year, Steven will be focused on working with the several awards committees in preparation for the 2012 cycle. His focus areas include building increased Society revenue-generating activity through supporting member initiatives, maintaining strict fiscal discipline ensuring financial and operational stability, crafting more active responses to increasing market demands for HPT and ISPI member support in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa, and promoting ISPI brand and visibility across all sectors.
Meet the Performance Technologist
Posted by Steven Kelly | March 21, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
A simulated meeting with a new client interested in the same old training solutions...
Training Evaluation and Transfer of Knowledge
Posted by Steven Kelly | March 18, 2011 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO experimented with short videos using Xtranormal software focused on training evaluation and knowledge transfer. Two videos were created: '4 Ways to Evaluate Training' and '15 Minutes to Successful Transfer of Training.' The vocal is a bit edgy but hopefully the main point is transmitted in the 3 minutes. While obviously not comprehensive, KNO has many years experience with training know-how transfer and evaluation available for client programs.
M Mari Novak Spotlighted in the Slovak Business Magazine FIRMA
Posted by Steven Kelly | December 21, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Senior KNO partner M. Mari Novak is highlighted in FIRMA, a glossy and web published magazine with a focus on Slovak women entrepreneurs. Mari celebrates in 2011 over 2 decades of promotion of commercial reform and performance in Central Europe.
Making Slovakia A Better Business Place
Posted by Steven Kelly | December 10, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO Partner Steven Kelly, founding member of the American-Slovak Chamber of Commerce, joined a Bratislava panel in early December to present findings and recommendations to improve the Slovak business environment for small and medium enterprises. Highlights included remarks from Juraj Miskov, Slovakia's new Minister of Economy.
Slovak Hospodarske Noviny (Economic News) Coverage
Posted by Steven Kelly | November 23, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
A Slovakia financial newspaper dispatched reporters to interview KNO's American partners, covering two decades of experience based in Central Europe, with projects in over 30 countries. The piece appeared as a full-page newsprint story plus online version featuring video highlights in English with Slovak subtitles.
Taking a Performance Approach in Support of Civil Society in Latin America
Posted by Steven Kelly | November 21, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO conducted its inaugural performance improvement project for a nonprofit network in Latin America, funded by US development assistance. The team collaborated with leadership using gap analysis with a focus on identifying root causes. Deliverables featured customized recommendations refined down to specific interventions with accompanying performance indicators. The KNO team included Jose Angel Valdez, Ingrid Guerra-Lopez, and Steven Kelly.
Introducing Performance Driven Presentation Techniques
Posted by Steven Kelly | October 1, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
KNO recently introduced a new Performance Driven training program called Presentation Techniques. The program follows ISPI's four cardinal performance principles: Results Oriented Approach, Systematic Design and Techniques, Value-added for Participants, and Partnership and Collaborative Structure. The customizable program targets experienced presenters already operating in the competence zone, helping them improve incrementally through specific techniques and feedback. The training emphasizes short lecturettes, and provides primary focus on intense practice with continual expert and peer feedback. Video recording monitors progress and skill development improvements.
KNO Continues USAID Funded Study Tours
Posted by Steven Kelly | July 7, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This year KNO passed a milestone by conducting the 70th performance-based USAID financed study tour training. These take small groups of government or private industry leaders for specialized studies, typically 1-2 weeks. Since 1996, in conjunction with their long-term partner Centrum Dohody, they have successfully met ambitious training objectives with groups from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, Georgia, Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Serbia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Specialized trainings have focused on over 60 diverse technical areas. These trainings were all funded by USAID, often under subcontract to World Learning or Academy for Educational Development (AED).
Project Managers Receive ISPI Certification in PDPM
Posted by Steven Kelly | June 27, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Thirteen project managers and four consultant/coaches were awarded the ISPI certification in PDPM. The initiative represented a 6-month capacity development effort in Northern Cyprus that was funded by USAID.
What is Performance Driven Project Management
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 27, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This is a short 15 minute briefing on the key elements of PDPM conducted by Steven Kelly. Key slides are linked for reference.
Practicing Masterful PT
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 7, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This article recently published in the ISPI Performance Xpress entitled 'Practicing Masterful Performance Technology: Classic Symphony or Modern Jazz.'
Performance Driven Project Management Feb 2010 Progress Report
Posted by Steven Kelly | February 18, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
The briefing by Steven Kelly and Mari Novak outlines the application of PDPM in the Northern Cyprus Community, providing an update at the halfway point of an 8-month program.
Performance Driven Project Management Simulation
Posted by Steven Kelly | February 18, 2010 | Category: KNO Worldwide
A special exercise conducted during KNO PDPM workshops in Cyprus in February 2010, applying performance-driven principles in a simulated workplace. The Chain Gang Simulation provides managers with a deep kinesthetic knowledge of what it feels like to be in a high performance environment. Used with permission from American Consulting and Training (ACT), located at 604 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
Molten Ore in Macedonia
Posted by Steven Kelly | May 23, 2009 | Category: KNO Worldwide
Steven Kelly describes receiving a VIP tour of FENI Industries nickel plant near Skopje, Macedonia. The facility processes nickel ore from Cunico Group mines in the Balkans and imports from Indonesia, Albania, New Caledonia, and Turkey. The post emphasizes nickel's importance to modern civilization and highlights the plant's sophisticated process management handling hundreds of tons on a 24/7 schedule. A notable feature is an outdoor conveyor system stretching over 40 kilometers through seven links from the mine, constructed during the communist era and still operational. The operations manager remarked: 'everything is here but the guy with the horns.'
Kelly Novak Chat About Performance Applications in Central Europe
Posted by Steven Kelly | April 29, 2008 | Category: KNO Worldwide
This is a discussion Mari Novak and I prepared for the International Society for Performance Improvement professional website. It gives a little personal history and also some sense of the work that KNO is involved in the past 2 decades.
