Ah, the buzzwords of the corporate world!
Synergy, disruptive, game-changer, out-of-the-box -the list goes on and on, doesn't it?
If you're not part of the learning and development world, the term learning strategy may feel the same way. Certainly, the word strategy does. It's like the chameleon of business jargon - it can blend in anywhere, but does it really do anything?
At Lightbox we’re far more pragmatic. If you’re not going to walk away with something useful you can use, we haven’t done our job. So let’s dig in and first define this term, then determine three very useful, concrete ways it can really drive your organization's success.
What is a learning strategy?
A learning strategy emphasizes the essential importance of learning and development for the ongoing success of an organization. An effective strategy aligns learning with the mission of the organization and seeks to equip each person so they can maximize effectiveness in their roles. It also seeks to anticipate learning needs before they emerge so that learning is strategic rather than reactive.
In practical deliverable terms, this could be a spreadsheet, document, Miro (or other)board, or a whiteboard with a whole pile of sticky notes on it. It’s a clear plan for the whole year that is aligned to the organization’s mission, goals, KPI',s or other measurables. It becomes a guiding compass and allows the team to be proactive rather than reactive.
How important is a learning strategy?
A learning strategy provides a vital way to keep employees engaged and maximize your organization’s ability to respond to change.
“51% of employees said they would quit a job where they weren’t offered necessary training, while millennials in particular cited learning and development opportunities as the second-most important benefit, after salary, they expect from an employer”.
3 ways a learning strategy drives success:
Mission: An effective learning strategy aligns each part of the organization, and each employee, around your mission and goals.
Employee engagement: Maximize your employee engagement through crafting learning journeys that provide measurable results.
Fuel innovation: Develop a learning culture that keeps employees focused on gaining new skills, transferring existing knowledge to meet new challenges, and innovating for future success.
Join our conversation. How have you seen a learning strategy benefit your organization? Share your stories here. Or, if you're still puzzled, fire away with your questions. We promise no more synergy, disruptive, or out-of-the-box thinking allowed! We'll keep it real.
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