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Much has changed since the global recession. Budgets are tight, accountability is everywhere, and business results are expected routinely. All functions in an organization, including Learning & Development, face tremendous challenges to show value. The good news is that the Learning & Development community is responding with changes in their approach to evaluation. Here are seven metrics trends that are occurring globally and particularly in the U.S.

The changes coming with the introduction of the Affordable Care Act mean trainers at a health insurer such as Capital BlueCross (CBC) have their work cut out for them. With a public often concerned about what health-care reform means to their coverage, trainers at CBC have prepared their employees with answers to top questions.

When MasTec North America, Inc.’s Utility Services Group came under new leadership just over a year ago, it identified an opportunity to focus on employee development almost immediately. The competition within the utility construction industry is fierce, so whatever MasTec could do to recruit, develop, and retain the best employees would prove to be a competitive advantage.

Real estate franchise Keller Williams Realty started 2013 with three ambitious goals. First, to increase its agent count by 8,000 associates. Second, to increase its per-agent commissions by 20 percent. And third, to make sure at least 92 percent of its franchise offices were making a profit.

Lyndon B. Johnson was president. The Animals’ “The House of the Rising Sun” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” topped the song charts, while Mary Poppins ruled the cinema. A gallon of milk cost $1.06. People called on rotary phones. Magazines such as Life and Look cost 25 to 35 cents an issue.

Would the leaders of your organization be willing to serve as teachers of strategy, innovation, new product development, or a new diversity initiative? How well equipped are they at using blogging and other social media to teach?

Find out about the latest advances in training technology.

Jiffy Lube International, Inc., put the training pedal to the metal, roaring into the No. 1 spot on the 2014 Training Top 125. The 100 percent-franchised organization’s aligned and focused approach to training—in particular, training on new services, customer service skills, and leadership— has resulted in a 900 percent increase in the number of stores at 100 percent certification, a reduction in turnover, and a 93 percent approval rating by franchisees.

Over the years, I have had the privilege to work with several senior learning leaders whose organizations regularly earn a spot on the Training Top 125 list. While pondering what separates those who consistently achieve the pinnacle of success in Training and Development, I isolated three key areas I believe contribute significantly to their achievement:

A new year brings excitement and commitment to bettering our personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, the excitement soon fades, and according to research from VitalSmarts, only 10 to 20 percent of employees reach their career resolutions by the time the ball drops the following year. So what stands in the way of career success?