Learning by Doing: Moving Beyond Theory That Never Gets Used

Why 70% of Your Training Budget Is Wasted — and How to Reverse the Trend

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I. EDITORIAL: THE CLASSROOM MIRAGE

We have all sat through training days in an air-conditioned room, watching dozens of text-heavy slides go by. We leave with our heads full of concepts, but once we return to the office and face operational pressures, it all evaporates. Why? Because the human brain is geared towards solving real problems rather than storing abstract theory. At La Boussole, we believe that if a course does not challenge you a little, you are not really learning.

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II. THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH: THE 70/20/10 MODEL

To understand why conventional methods fall short, we need to look at the work of the Center for Creative Leadership. Its model shows that professional development is made up as follows:

• 10% formal learning: books, lectures and videos. This provides a foundation, but is not enough on its own.
• 20% social learning: feedback, mentoring and conversations with peers.
• 70% real experience: doing, making mistakes, trying again and succeeding.

Our approach follows this balance. We work as coaches, helping people practise and progress.

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III. OPERATIONAL IMMERSION: REAL BUSINESS CASES

La Boussole's strength lies in using cases we have experienced first-hand.

• For Procurement: we use your strategic contracts and complex suppliers as the basis for negotiation role-play, rather than hypothetical purchases of office supplies.
• For Supply Chain: we use flow simulations in which every forecasting error has an immediate effect on the simulated service level and cash position.
• Lasting learning: a successful course continues beyond the closing coffee. We provide toolkits — checklists and decision matrices — that learners can use at their desks the next day.

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IV. QUALIOPI CERTIFICATION: A COMMITMENT TO RIGOUR

Qualiopi certification does more than provide access to OPCO funding in France. It demonstrates that our learning processes are audited and meet demanding quality criteria. Every minute spent with us is an investment in your company's profitability.

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V. THE LA BOUSSOLE PERSPECTIVE: HELPING TALENT MOVE FORWARD

Our mission is to help your people work independently. We want them to have the momentum to transform their day-to-day work, alongside the knowledge they need. People who master their tools can thrive and stay committed to your shared journey.

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