The Hidden Cost of Not Evaluating Training: Are You Paying the Ignorance Tax?

Every organization pays taxes — but are you paying an Ignorance Tax you don't even know exists?In this episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast, Vanessa Alzate uncovers the silent cost organizations pay when they don't evaluate their learning and development initiatives. From wasted instructional design hours to disengaged employees and misaligned strategies, the Ignorance Tax compounds year after year until it erodes both credibility and budgets. Vanessa challenges L&D leaders to stop relying on "thoughts and feelings" and start bringing data-driven evaluation to the boardroom. CEOs don't make decisions without facts, and neither should we. With research from Rob Brinkerhoff showing that 70% of training fails to transfer into workplace behavior, the urgency has never been greater. Takeaways: Why the Ignorance Tax is more costly than the act of measuring impact. The hidden drains on L&D budgets: misalignment, wasted time, and credibility erosion. Why evaluation is not optional — it's the foundation for being seen as a strategic partner. How to shift from vanity metrics to what really matters: performance impact. The importance of feedback loops and annual audits in reducing waste. A practical analogy from Ted Lasso on how teamwork (and evaluation) drives performance. Don't let your department get buried under the Ignorance Tax. Listen now, share with your leadership team, and join us at the Kirkpatrick Summit to learn how to implement evaluation that drives measurable business results.   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.