Proposing any performance or training solutions requires rigorous analysis based on data, not speculation. Conducting a front-end analysis process for determining why a perceived performance gap exists and how to close the gap enables learning professionals to find successful solutions. This issue describes how to carry out the two distinct analysis processes that go into a front-end analysis: a gap (or performance) analysis and root cause analysis. The first process determines if a performance problem exists. The second process identifies the true root cause of the issue. Helpful sidebars explain the analysis sequence, when to conduct a gap analysis, how to define performance gaps without bias, and factors that influence performance.