L&D + COVID19 = ?
We were never great at maths but let’s have a go. Without doubt COVID-19 has created huge levels of worldwide business uncertainty which has cascaded into all our lives, leading to self-doubt, anxiety and most likely a teensy element of fear.
The world just isn’t the same anymore and as we turn the corner towards a new normal those with the responsibility of designing and delivering Learning & Development will have noticed the rules of the game have changed.
If you work in L&D you already know that pink and fluffy has had its day and if you weren’t able to prove some form of return on investment it’s unlikely you’d be around for that long!
That leads us to now. Halfway through 2020 and recent research shows that while up to 40% of L&D professionals have been furloughed, 38% of people now have more time to learn than ever before and the downtime has left 49% self-analysing and realising they don’t have the internal skills need to achieve their goals. What’s that cry from the front line…? “L&D, we need you now!!”
We think that there’s a few simple things you can do to help the business you work with see the benefits of Learning & Development now.
Have a little faith
You got where you are because you have an image ability to help others learn. It’s okay to have a little crisis in confidence (who doesn’t have these?) but you need to get all Taylor Swift and just shake that off and remember that good leadership comes from those who believe in and continually develop themselves. And those people often need some help to do that for themselves and for their teams.
Get into the data
Now’s the time to get your head into the data and start shouting about the impact you’ve made. Data rules the world and right now budgets are being slashed so you must be able to remind those with the purse strings about what L&D can do in this time of need. Think about promotions, retention, feedback, compliance, engagement, coaching, mentoring and the power of onboarding and inductions. people. Get feedback from leaders from your last programme and quotes from your managers demonstrating strength in their workplaces. L&D helped make all those things happen.
Everyone loves a quick win
Everyone at work will have similar challenges and concerns now so have a think about the quick wins that help people to remember the value of L&D. You job here is to help people with the skills they need now like remote working, wellbeing, mental health, virtual skills, 121’s and coaching. This doesn’t need to be war and peace. Think bitesize, eLearning or micro learning instead.
Build trust and recommend
Being present and available as L&D support can help to build their trust and confidence in you and your role. Listen carefully and make recommendations that you think will equip them and their teams to be the best they can be in the current climate.
Adaptation is essential
Your old content might not hit the mark anymore. Don’t be a stick in the mud. Review it. Refresh it. Adapt it. Make it fit the world we are in right now and show that you’re forward thinking not recycling old materials and hoping for the best.
Usher in the new
It’s often the job of L&D to help your company learn to trust new delivery methods – from the influx of new virtual communications right through to the implementation of new styles, models and programmes. L&D always brings change and they need you now.
Use all your learning methods
For most companies there is naturally a huge swing towards virtual training now. Embrace that (many of you will have been fighting for this anyway!) and use your skills to take what you have and use it in a different way.
This doesn’t need to be in isolation. Too many of us are sticking purely to digital innovations. Encourage people to use traditional methods as well! Pre-read an article, listen to a podcast, read chapters of books and discuss, get on You Tube or set up a discussion forum.
Face to face isn’t gone forever, it’s just in ‘hibernation‘. Use this time wisely and have a think about where and when it’s essential, desirable and perhaps even not required.
Don’t go it alone
Reach out. Talk to your peers, friends, colleagues and contacts and get a well-rounded view on what you’re doing. Advice from these people is free and will help you see the full picture for your recommendations. There is tons of useful data out there about L&D and the impact from COVID19 so just get searching to expand your horizons.
Trust in your suppliers
If you need additional support and skills from external suppliers, then reach out as they’ll want to help you too. Ask them what they’ve been helping other clients with and what they can do for you. It’s worth a video call to get inspired and if you do need to spend money it’s important to make sure it’s going to return a result.
Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.
Unfortunately for you the world isn’t under your control and whilst L&D are often expected to have all the answers, we don’t have that much power! Focus on everything you can do, including looking after yourself so that you can help those around you learn and develop. You’re doing a great job. 👍🏻