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The 12Levers Impact Framework™
A practical, four-step system to move training from the classroom to the workplace.
You work hard to design meaningful learning. Let’s make sure it gets used.
The 12Levers Impact Framework™ gives L&D teams a clear, practical way to boost application, demonstrate impact, and focus efforts where they matter most.
Here’s how the 4 steps work.
Step 1: Diagnose Transfer Barriers
Where does learning transfer break down in your program?
The 12 Levers Card Game, developed by the Institute for Transfer Effectiveness, is a powerful, interactive audit tool that helps teams quickly identify where learning transfer may break down.
Fun, engaging, and insightful, this activity surfaces hidden risks, sparks rich discussions, and sets the stage for a focused, evidence-based action plan.
Use it to audit your current training against 12 key factors across three domains:
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Trainees – Are they motivated? Do they believe they can apply what they’ve learned? Will they follow through?
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Training Design – Is the content relevant, well-planned, and supported by real-world practice?
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Organization – Are managers involved? Are there opportunities and support for applying learning?
🎯 Outcome: A clear picture of your weakest levers and where to focus next.
Step 2: Focus on What Matters
You don’t need to fix everything. Just what matters most.
Once you’ve diagnosed where transfer is breaking down, the next step is to focus your efforts where they’ll make the biggest impact.
The Transfer Matrix, developed by the Institute for Transfer Effectiveness, helps you weigh each lever based on your current program. It shows which levers are underserved and which ones are worth prioritizing.
Strategic, structured, and surprisingly revealing, this activity guides your team to zoom in on the 2–3 levers that are:
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Most at risk in your program
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Most critical for application success
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Most actionable in your context
🎯 Outcome: A clear, resource-smart game plan that targets what matters and leaves the rest.
Step 3: Use the Right Tools
How do you turn insights into action?
Once you've identified the weakest levers, it's time to activate practical tools that support application, not overwhelm your program.
The 12Levers Toolbox offers simple, evidence-based tools that match specific transfer barriers. Examples include:
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Transfer Planning Templates – Clarify post-training actions
(Lever 7) -
Manager Conversation Starters – Strengthen supervisor involvement (Lever 10)
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Nudging Scripts & Reminders – Reinforce action and follow-through (Levers 1 or 3)
đź’ˇ Tip: Start small. Use just one or two tools to boost the levers that matter most.
🎯 Outcome: Behaviorally informed tools that are seamlessly integrated into your existing programs.
Step 4: Embed and Track Use
What gets applied is what gets reinforced.
The final step is about building in the structures that make transfer stick after the training ends.
Use simple mechanisms to track progress, create accountability, and support reflection:
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Align with managers before training so expectations are clear
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Track real-world use through learner self-reporting and manager check-ins
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Use debriefs and transfer reflection tools to capture what worked
đź“Š Tool: Weekly Learning Circles, Create a transfer magazine or journal.Â
🎯 Outcome: Clear evidence of what was applied, where gaps remain, and how to improve transfer next time.
The Outcome
You’ve put care into designing learning. Now let’s make sure it delivers.
With the 12Levers Impact Framework™, you have a clear, proven way to turn good training into real results, one lever at a time.
Whether you're starting small or scaling big, we're here to help you make transfer happen.
Ready to make learning stick?