Designing Training That Sticks - by Michael L Dorsey (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Don't just design training. Design behavior change that lasts.

Your training program got good evaluations, and learners left feeling satisfied. But within weeks you discover that none of their behavior changed, and managers are asking why. Your training seemed to work in the moment, but performance outcomes aren't where you want them to be.

With a practical, ADDIE-inspired approach, Designing Training That Sticks tackles a persistent gap most facilitators and instructional designers face every day--the gap between training and real-world performance outcomes. Author Michael L. Dorsey guides instructional designers through his Afterburn Framework--aligning learning objectives, delivery methods, and reinforcement strategies to achieve real, measurable outcomes. Real-world case studies demonstrate how to make his innovative framework actionable.

Dorsey shows you how to:

• Use reinforcement tools such as job aids, indexed videos, and microlearning.


• Build accountability structures such as learning partners and manager check-ins.


• Choose intentional environmental design that actively supports key behaviors.


• Engage highly motivated supervisors who care about sustained behavior change.

Your organization isn't necessarily failing at training. But it's probably failing to design training with the future in mind. If you're ready to do something about that, Designing Training That Sticks is the place to start.

About the Author

Michael L. Dorsey finds joy in using words to motivate and empower others as a professional trainer, speaker, and consultant. He is the founder of Michael Dorsey International, which partners with nonprofits, government agencies, and associations to deliver training solutions. He is the former chief learning officer for the Maryland Department of Human Services. During his 20+ years in L&D, Dorsey has worked in leadership development, curriculum and training design, DEI, and coaching for companies such as Walmart, Target, PwC, Monster Worldwide, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Lockheed Martin. He is as passionate about working with frontline staff as with C-level executives. Dorsey is a graduate of Cedarville University, the Ohio State University, and Faith International University, and an ATD Master Trainer(R). He is on the faculty and leadership team of the Bible Center at Mount Pleasant. Dorsey is also the author of motivational books, including The One-Click Mindset (2025) and The Ownership Shift (2026). He lives in Baltimore, Maryland and enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Chavallé, and their son, Michael, Jr.