The Revolution in Corporate Learning
Attracting and retaining top talent is a challenge in every organization, but there is at least one area in which you can boost retention: Provide better learning opportunities. To keep up with the demand for corporate learning, companies need to be employing trends such as:
- Gamification
- Video learning
- Adaptive learning (apps like Duolingo)
- MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)
Better Learning Strategies
The last thing you want to do is put your team in a room for a three-hour lecture. Instead, provide a mix of in-classroom collaborative learning, half-day sessions; 30-minute to one-hour coaching sessions; and on-the-job simulations presented in a variety of styles, from classrooms to videos to online instruction.
There is no doubt that we need to invest more in developing our people in order to keep top talent, but organizations need to be savvy about how they implement development programs, keeping in mind both the needs of their organizations and the needs of the talented team members they are trying to retain. One of the problems we often see with corporate learning is that there is too much emphasis on the technical side and not nearly enough focus on soft skills, which are critical for building strong future leaders.
To teach these critical skills, I prefer using a mix of corporate learning methods. Microlearning can fill small gaps in knowledge, whether it’s self-driven, 2- to 3-minute web learning or 30-minute intense sessions on a specific topic. Academia is suffering from having gone too far with the online learning –approach – and there is a real miss with taking away classroom sessions.
Organized and formal development programs are essential to ensure you have the talented leaders you need today and tomorrow. According to the 2016 Deloitte Millennial Survey,
- Millennials are desperate for development
- 70 percent of millennials report receiving no development at all
- 63 percent of millennials say their leadership skills are not being fully developed
It’s no wonder they have less loyalty!
Corporate learning is key to retention. While some basics can be economized by teaching in groups and in classrooms, most learning must be customized to the individual based on the skills of the individual, the motivation and goals of the individual, and the needs of the organization. According to the millennial survey, talented team members who reported that they were planning to stay with their organizations for more than five years were 68 percent more likely to have a mentor – and that’s something you can’t deliver through a MOOC or a game.
Successful development requires a focus on both individual and team goals that align with the overall strategy of the organization. If you want to keep your top talent, you need to provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. Take. Action. Now. by implementing customized development opportunities for your talented team members.
A program like East Tenth Group’s Accelerate Managerial Effectiveness™, requiring only 30 minutes per week, offers the ideal mix of one-on-one coaching, online learning, and video learning that focuses on developing soft skills in up-and-coming leaders in your organization. Learn more about East Tenth Group’s approach to corporate learning.
As the CEO & Founder of East Tenth Group, Michelle leverages 25 years of business and experience as a strategic advisor and executive coach to help drive actionable people solutions and provide practical insights on business strategy to senior leaders. she and her team and are fiercely committed to the development and growth of people and companies because we believe that when people thrive, business thrives.
