Learning Strategists Grow the Future

May 07, 2017 | 2315 Views

Learning Strategists Grow the Future

Donna Herbel, FMP, SPHR

Learning Strategist | Blue Phoenix Learning

Spring is such an exciting time! Gardeners are hard at work, not only preparing beds for planting, but also looking ahead and creating long-range plans to frame their decisions; considering, for example, what will happen in the sunniest spot when the sapling nearby grows to full height. Will that part of the yard become a shade garden in the next five years? Jim Knight reminded us in a recent keynote of a proverb that reminds us of the importance of both foresight and action: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.”

In the Learning Strategist role, professional trainers act as Master Gardeners. We use our knowledge about the current business environment and needs, the organization’s and industry’s future goals and desired future state, selection and talent development, and current innovations that are paving the way to being the norm in the future. Then we draw plans, solicit input, and make strategic decisions to structure training outcomes both immediately and in five years. To put our hands to the work of creating a future environment through strategic and thoughtful action today. We are growing future leaders and decision-makers as part of our daily work.

The resources of CHART provide ideas and spark thought for learning strategy. Questions like “what if” and “why don’t we” can be powerful in clearing out old habits and beliefs that no longer serve the organization. Whether a training professional is in a new role, new in an organization, or developing systems and processes in the same organization over time, CHART helps us all take pause, assess and align our strategies and design, and connect with other experts from whom we learn!

This spring, let’s take a moment to evaluate current strategies, future plans, and make changes as needed to ensure the success of our industry’s future leaders. It is a big responsibility. As CHART members, we are up for the task!

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