How To Create A Smart Learning And Development Strategy For Your Change Program with Steph Clarke
How much real thought did you put into the training plan for your last change initiative?
So many change managers and trainers I know just seem to wheel out the same old approach to training over and over again.
And look, it’s not their fault - they’re change managers, not learning specialists and they’re under the pump.
It’s easier to stick to stale old school learning options…. But, so much has changed in this space over the past few years.
Are traditional approaches to training and learning relevant these days? And if they’re not, when it comes to learning at work, what’s working now?
This is exactly what I cover with my wonderful guest Steph Clarke on The New Way Podcast this week. We dive into how to develop a smart learning and development strategy for your change program.
Steph is a learning & development professional, designer and workshop facilitator with a huge amount of experience. Through her consultancy 28 Thursdays (previously YesAnd), she helps clients reimagine their approach to learning and development, facilitates professional learning that’s designed for humans, and helps their teams work better together.
Get ready to discover:
exactly how and why things are changing in the learning space
the biggest trends at the moment and what’s working now
what you must consider when designing your next learning or training strategy
which topics lend themselves to different delivery options (We got really specific here - I gave Steph a bunch of examples and she shared a number of practical recommendations you’re going to want to add to your tool kit.)
I loved this conversation with Steph and I know you’ll enjoy it too.
Take a listen now!
TOPICS DISCUSSED AND WHERE TO FIND THEM:
[00:52]: When it comes to learning at work - what’s working now?
[1:39]: Steph Clarke is a learning and development professional - she helps businesses reimagine their approach to learning and development.
[2:28]: Through her consultancy YesAnd (now 28 Thursdays), Steph helps clients develop, design and facilitate professional learning, designed for actual humans.
[3:09]: We also run through which topics lend themselves to different delivery options - definitely something you’ll want to add to your toolkit.
[3:54]: Organisational change is always, always about introducing new ways of working.
[5:31]: What are some of the biggest factors that are influencing the way that learning and development is being delivered and considered at the moment and how is that changing?
[7:10]: The conversation around learning and development has really shifted this year - leaders are now thinking through a lens of curriculum, approach and principles.
[7:59]: Releasing curated content as internal podcasts is an example of this shift. Bite-sized content and focus on good communication are key.
[8:58]: There is such a big gap between the learning people experience outside of work (eg. YouTube videos, language apps), and what they’re offered at work.
[10:15]: Work is now so much more personalised, and programs and benefits need to be more relevant and targeted too.
[11:50]: What should we keep in mind now, when we’re designing learning plans? a) Who is this for, where are they now, and how do you meet them there? b) Be intentional c) Break it down and make content able to be paused
[15:22]: When designing a learning plan, you should absolutely talk to the stakeholders.
[16:46]: The People Spot App by Colin Beattie helps you with what to do in ‘human moments’ and provides the opportunity of coaching at scale.
[17:29]: We need to get back to running sessions in person - it allows us to reconnect with each other.
[18:39]: The connection between proximity and trust that Rachel Botsman discusses.
[19:24]: What modes are appropriate for different types of learning? Step discusses how it’s more effective to consider a blended approach. We run through some examples.
[23:00]: In a change program’s learning space there is often one key learning event Steph talks to us about things that can be done before and after the main experience to elevate and amplify the experience.
[24:10]: The setting - place and environment - are so frequently forgotten. Choose somewhere inspirational.
[25:01]: What and how are you drip-feeding? Reinforcement is vital.
[25:46] Discipline, execution and measurement are also so important to consider.
[26:59]: It’s really all about creating an integrated campaign, and helping people do it together; find ways to integrate peer coaching and group coaching.
[27:49]: Learning is social!
[28:06]: We run through how you can connect with Steph, including her podcast Steph’s Business Bookshelf.
PREVIOUS EPISODE MENTIONED:
How To Support Your People Through Organisational Change With Coaching with Colin Beattie
CONNECT WITH STEPH CLARKE:
Podcast: https://www.stephsbusinessbookshelf.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-clarke/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephsbizbookshelf/
Website: https://www.28thursdays.com/
CONNECT WITH KATE:
Website: https://www.everchange.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ever-change-and-communication