Demystifying Learning Models: A Guide to Building a Thriving Learning Culture
Photo: Tim Mossholder ~ Unsplash.com

Demystifying Learning Models: A Guide to Building a Thriving Learning Culture

Have you ever wondered how successful professionals acquire their skills? The truth is, learning happens everywhere, not just in classrooms. Today, let’s look at two popular learning models and how you can leverage and adapt them to create a robust learning culture within your organization.

I appreciate a great model/framework, especially a flexible one that can be tailored to specific needs. Let's dig in.

The 70-20-10 Model

According to experts at the Center for Creative Leadership, the 70/20/10 model outlines how individuals learn and enhance their skills on the job:

  • 70%: On-the-Job Experiences (Hands-on learning through projects, assignments, and challenges)
  • 20%: Social Learning (Collaboration with peers, mentors, and networking)
  • 10%: Formal Learning (Courses, workshops, and certifications)

Why It Matters: Adapting to Individual Needs

While the 70/20/10 model provides a useful guideline, it doesn’t have to be a rigid formula. The ratios can and should vary. As Tom Whelan, PhD, and Training Industry suggest, “There is no single ratio of learning sources that is best for everyone.”

Beyond 70-20-10: The OSF Framework

Training Industry and author Tom Whelan, PhD, suggest the OSF model (On-the-job, Social, Formal) as a more adaptable approach. It emphasizes the importance of all three learning sources while acknowledging the variability in ideal ratios. The beauty of this model lies in its flexibility based on the role, individual, and company needs.

Situationally, different types of learning are more appropriate.?

Consider an airline pilot. Would you want a pilot to learn to fly a plane from a textbook or friends or through experience with a qualified instructor? I know what I prefer.?

We certainly don’t want to shy away from classroom / formal training. Formal training is easier to control and ensures that essential knowledge is disseminated throughout the organization, enhancing social and on-the-job learning.

Visualizing a Learning Ecosystem

Imagine a vibrant ecosystem where learning thrives at every level

Here's a breakdown of what a learning ecosphere might look like in your organization:

Learning for All

  • eLearning / online resources: LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, etc.
  • Formal training: Compliance training, regulatory training
  • Lunch and learns for different departments, teams, or demographic groups
  • Share-backs: Conference/workshop knowledge sharing
  • Company meetings: regularly scheduled to share information and learning
  • Call to Action: What other types of learning would you add to this level? Share your favorite learning resources in the comments!

Manager and Leader Development:

  • Leadership development programs
  • Mentorship programs (facilitating two-way learning)
  • Ad hoc activities: external speakers, conferences, workshops, book clubs, etc.
  • Call to Action: What development opportunities have benefited you as a manager/leader?

Senior Leaders, Emerging Talent, Executive Development:

  • Leadership programs for top performers and high-potentials
  • Succession planning initiatives to address knowledge gaps for potential successors
  • Knowledge-sharing opportunities (leaders teach others)
  • Coaching programs
  • Job rotation/sharing programs to enhance internal mobility
  • Call to Action: What other types of learning would you add to this level?

The key takeaways

  • There is no "one size fits all" approach to learning. People learn differently.
  • Different teams, departments, functions have diverse and unique learning needs.?
  • Define a learning approach that best suits your organization.?

The bottom line

By understanding frameworks like 70-20-10 and OSF, and by fostering a diverse learning ecosphere, you can empower your employees to thrive.

What framework do you prefer? How do you approach different types of learning?

Bo Ghirardelli

Co-founder and CEO at Skysthelimit.org | Building the on-ramp to entrepreneurship for small businesses

8 个月

That sounds like an insightful article! Thank you for sharing Jennifer!

Dennis Adsit

Coach for Extraordinary First 100 Days Transitions, Building High-Performing Teams, Nudging Cultures

10 个月

Great post, Jennifer Zimmerman. I like the emphasis on experiential learning over classroom learning. To that point, I think Op Reviews, done right, can be one of those experiential learning options. In this post, I talk about how dojo-like Op Reviews imbued with "co-opetition" can create a powerful learning ground. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/answering-call-generosity-gene-getting-better-developing-dennis-adsit/

Love this! On-the-job experiences, indeed, should get the highest percentage when it comes to learning. As you will understand better and know the process once you are already doing it. But yes, formal learning and social learning are both still important to have too.

Enjoyed the read Jennifer Zimmerman ?? ! Incorporating gamification, like with the UJJI app, could seamlessly blend with the 70-20-10 model, merging hands-on experiences with engagement. It's exciting to see how technology can enhance traditional learning approaches.

Jori Susanka, M.A.

? Senior Manager of Workforce Development; Senior Manager of Learning and Development ? Creates, designs, and executes impactful and innovative learning programs that drive future organizational growth ?

10 个月

Jennifer Zimmerman - such great insights here! I love the analogy about a pilot learning how to fly a plane! I was actually with my daughter today walking through her school where she is doing her pre med work and the person we were with was talking about doing “flipped learning” - where learners study and also use their learnings real time then come to class to talk about what issues and challenges came up with implementing what they learned (a learning method we used at Medtronic quite a bit as well). I was so pleased to see they were teaching future healthcare professionals using this learning methodology!

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