SPECIAL FEATURE: KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUES: JACK PHILLIPS AND PATTI PHILLIPS
EDITOR’S NOTES
IN THIS SECTION, Dr Judith Hale interviews International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) Members, so that readers can learn about colleagues. She is featuring a new member/emerging/re-emerging professional, along with a notable long-term member of the Society. Jack Phillips is an established thought leader and author, as well as chairman of the ROI Institute, Inc. Patti Phillips is an esteemed author and CEO of the ROI Institute and serves on the ISPI Board of Directors as our Director of Engagement and also serves on ISPI’s Publications Committee.
INTERVIEW WITH JACK PHILLIPS
What attracted you to Performance Improvement (PI)/Human Performance Technology (HPT)/the ISPI?
I was attracted to ISPI because it took a more serious approach to learning and development, much more so than other organizations and associations. ISPI delves into a broader spectrum of issues beyond traditional L&D solutions, including processes, technology, innovation, and quality—domains where our measurement and evaluation framework excels. With a strong focus on research and accountability, ISPI’s approach is underscored by sound methodologies and continuous improvement processes, reflected in the quality of the materials regularly presented.
What is some of the work you are most proud of?
At ROI Institute, we’ve developed and refined the most used evaluation system in the world, which ISPI has recognized by awarding us the Thomas Gilbert award. We’ve also received numerous other awards including the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Thought Leader Award, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Best Book Award, and the Brand Personality Award from Asia-Pacific brands for marketing. Patti and I were honored to be recognized as among the top 50 coaches in the world by the Thinkers50 organization. Collectively, we’ve written or edited more than 100 books, 38 of which are translated into other languages, so we continue to share the ROI Methodology with audiences globally.
When people speak or think of you, what do you want them to say or remember?
I hope people say that we have helped them see the value of what they do and show that value to the proper individuals. Recognizing and articulating the value of one’s work is fundamental for professional growth, recognition, and organizational success. When individuals can clearly demonstrate the impact of their contributions, they are more likely to garner support, resources, and opportunities for advancement. Additionally, showcasing value fosters a culture of appreciation and accountability within organizations, driving overall productivity and satisfaction. Ultimately, it ensures that efforts are aligned with strategic goals and stakeholders’ expectations, leading to sustainable success and impact.
What do you do and/or are doing now?
Patti and I are constantly engaged in educating, writing, consulting, researching, and speaking about ROI. Our efforts span across diverse applications, cultures, countries, and utilize innovative tools to stay ahead of evolving trends.
Where can you be reached?
Jack@roiinstitute.net or by calling 205-678-8101
Short Bio
Jack J. Phillips, chairman of ROI Institute, Inc, is a world-renowned expert on accountability, measurement, and evaluation. A former bank president and HR executive, Phillips consults for Fortune 500 companies and major global organizations and has taught the ROI Methodology to managers and professionals in over 70 countries. The author or editor of more than 75 books, he conducts workshops and presents at conferences globally.
Jack has been recognized and awarded for his work by numerous professional organizations, including receiving the 2022 ATD Thought Leader Award along with his wife and ROI Institute cofounder, Patti P. Phillips, PhD. Jack and Patti were named two of the top 50 coaches in the world, by the Thinkers 50 organization. In addition, they were named finalists for the Marshall Goldsmith Distinguished Achievement Award for Coaching. ISPI presented Jack with its highest award, the Thomas F. Gilbert Award, for his contribution to human performance technology. SHRM presented Jack with its highest creativity award for an ROI study and awarded an ROI Institute book with a best book award. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, and Fortune magazine, and he has been interviewed by several television programs, including CNN.
INTERVIEW WITH PATTI P. PHILLIPS, PHD, CPTD, CPT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ROI INSTITUTE, INC.
What attracted you to Performance Improvement (PI)/Human Performance Technology (HPT)/the ISPI?
What impressed me most about ISPI when I first learned it (1997) was the depth and rigor of the thought leadership. ISPI members were concerned with results-based approaches to addressing business and job performance needs. There seemed to be less concern about activity and more about processes and standards grounded in research that would lead to solutions that solve problems. And while a lot has changed with ISPI over the years, the need for results-based performance improvement solutions is still the focus.
What is some of the work you are most proud of?
It is not lost to me how fortunate I am to have many opportunities. To focus on just one or two pieces of work that have evolved from those opportunities is difficult. One event that I was most surprised and most proud of was when I received an invitation to join the board of trustees of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). My 6-year term on the board has been the most interesting of my work. Of course, I am also proud of the publications that Jack and I have developed together, as well as the recognition we have received from ISPI, ATD, and other associations for our contributions.
When people speak or think of you, what do you want them to say or remember?
If people think or speak of me, I hope they will think of me as someone who helped them the way others have helped me.
What do you do and/or are doing now?
ROI Institute continues to grow. As cofounder and CEO, my focus is on supporting our customers, partners, and associates. We have recently purchased the Center for Talent Reporting to support the broader talent measurement and evaluation community along with our ROI Network. While my tenure on the UNITAR board will end soon, I will remain on the UNITAR Evaluation Advisory Board where we continue to help them with their evaluation strategy. Also, I am fortunate to be a member of the ISPI board and to serve on the board of the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations (IFTDO).
I am also excited about two new books underway. One is the third edition of Jack’s Return on Investment in Training and Performance Improvement Programs. The first edition was published in 1997. This third edition will include my perspective as well as that of our partner, Klaas Toes who is CEO of ROI Institute Europe. Also, in partnership with ATD, I am developing the second edition of the ATD Handbook of Training Measurement and Evaluation. The first edition was published in 2010. This edition will include many new contributors who are actively engaged with ISPI.
Where can you be reached?
I would love to connect with others—they can reach me at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattipphillips/ and patti@roiinstitute.net
Short Bio
Patti P. Phillips, PhD, is the co-founder and CEO of ROI Institute, Inc, a US-based consulting firm that serves for-profit, not-for-profit, government, and nongovernmental organizations in 70 countries as they build capability in measurement, evaluation, and human capital analytics.
An internationally recognized leader in measurement and analytics, Patti is routinely invited to speak at industry conferences worldwide and contributes to the growing amount of research in human capital and human capital analytics. Her expertise is documented in over 50 books published by McGraw-Hill, Wiley, Kogan-Page, Berrett-Koehler, and other major publishing houses. Her work has been cited on CNBC, Euronews, and National Geographic and published in more than a dozen business journals.
She is the recipient of the 2022 ATD Thought Leader Award and the 2019 Center for Talent Reporting Distinguished Contributor Award. In 2019, she was named among the top 50 coaches globally by the Thinkers50 organization and named a finalist for the Marshall Goldsmith Distinguished Achievement Award for Coaching. In 2015, she was recognized as an ATD Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) Fellow. Patti serves as the vice chair and finance committee member of UNITAR board of trustees; chair of the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) People Analytics Board; Senior Advisor for The Conference Board; board chair for the Center for Talent Reporting (CTR); board member of the IFTDO; and board member of the ISPI.
