Creating a Learning Community for Better Training Results

Session Resources + Slides

Summary

Creating a Learning Community for Better Training Results is a session crafted for learning and development professionals aiming to improve training outcomes through community building. The session addresses the ongoing challenges of adoption and engagement in learning and development (L&D) and suggests community as a solution. Helen Marshall, Chief Learning Officer at Thrive, shares her insights on creating and maintaining learning communities. She discusses her experiences with WomenIn, a WhatsApp community for women in L&D and HR, and emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, shared goals, and human connection in building effective learning communities. The session also explores practical considerations for setting up communities, such as identifying advocates, using technology, and measuring impact. Helen shares her approach to sustaining engagement and knowing when to let a community evolve or conclude. The session ends with a discussion on the individual and business impacts of learning communities, highlighting the role of storytelling in gaining leadership support.

Key Takeaways:

• Community can significantly enhance engagement and adoption in learning and development.
• Psychological safety and shared goals are essential for successful learning communities.
• Identifying advocates and using technology are key steps in setting up a community.
• Measuring impact and storytelling are crucial for demonstrating the value of communities.
• Learning communities can drive both individual and business growth.

Deep Insights

The Power of Community in Learning and Development

The session highlights the transformative power of community in learning and development. Helen Marshall emphasizes that community acts as a secret weapon for L&D teams, similar to having a gym buddy who motivates you to exercise. Communities create a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which can significantly boost engagement and completion rates in training programs. Helen notes, "Learning communities are vibrant spaces where people connect through shared purpose, meaningful interaction, and collective growth." The session underscores that communities amplify the impact of learning by turning it into a cultural force rather than just a process. By tapping into the power of human connection, businesses can see increased employee productivity, innovation, and well-being.

Building and Sustaining Learning Communities

Helen shares practical insights on building and sustaining learning communities. She stresses the importance of identifying the problem a community aims to solve, as this ensures the community serves a meaningful purpose. Advocates play a crucial role in driving engagement and co-creating the community's vision. Helen advises using existing communication tools like Slack or Teams, but also exploring other platforms that might better serve the community's needs. Setting clear ground rules and understanding the community's lifecycle are vital for maintaining focus and relevance. Helen also highlights the significance of psychological safety, stating, "Creating an environment where you feel valued and included is essential for successful communities."

Measuring Impact and Demonstrating Value

Measuring the impact of learning communities is essential for demonstrating their value to the organization. Helen discusses the importance of moving beyond vanity metrics like membership numbers to focus on engagement, impact, and value. She suggests tracking operational outcomes and financial impacts, such as increased productivity or reduced time to hire, to showcase the community's contribution to business goals. Additionally, Helen emphasizes the power of storytelling in gaining leadership support, using individual success stories to illustrate the community's impact on personal and professional growth.

Individual and Business Impact of Learning Communities

The session explores the dual impact of learning communities on individuals and businesses. Helen shares the story of Claire, a member of WomenIn, who found support and secured a new job through the community. This highlights the personal growth and career development opportunities that communities can provide. On a business level, communities can drive innovation, enhance talent mobility, and contribute to strategic objectives. Helen notes that while driving business impact is important, understanding and communicating the individual benefits of communities can help build a compelling case for their value. By aligning community initiatives with business goals and individual needs, organizations can create a powerful tool for growth and development.