The L&D Edit | April 2024 | Edition #23

Hi there VTT'ers ??

In this edition, we're diving into critical thinking skills – which we believe to be the antidote to cognitive bias. ?? Join us as we explore how to empower your team to question assumptions and navigate our digital world with greater clarity.

Plus, uncover all the latest insights on understanding Gen Z, keeping your learners happy to enhance the impact of your training, achieving real behaviour change, and how to lead a 6-generation workforce!

Finally, don't miss out on our Learning at Work Week offer!

?? Enjoy 10% off all our LAWW workshops, and get a free comms pack + limited edition resources. And for even greater savings, get 20% off a bundle of 5 workshops. Upgrade your team's skills and boost workplace learning with us!

?? Read: Critical thinking skills: the antidote to cognitive bias

In today’s digital age, navigating the sea of information for truth can be daunting, especially with our brains prone to cognitive biases. In fact, studies show managers make biased decisions over 50% of the time, leading to unfair practices and stifled innovation. But fear not! By championing critical thinking skills, you can empower your team to question assumptions and see beyond their biases.

This blog is your roadmap to understanding common biases, why critical thinking matters, and practical ways to integrate it into your learning strategy. Ready to steer your team toward clearer thinking and better decisions? Let's dive in and unleash the power of critical thinking!

? Read the full blog here .

?? Watch: Our review of 'Virtual natives'

By the end of this decade, Gen Z will constitute about a third of the working population, while Gen Alpha is only a few years away from entering the workforce. Understanding these generations is crucial, and the book 'Virtual Natives' offers invaluable insights into their mindset, expectations, and aspirations.

Inspired by the book, we're embarking on a project to delve deeper into what these generations need from an L&D perspective. Through focus groups and extensive research, we aim to uncover their learning requirements and how businesses can meet their needs. Stay tuned for our upcoming research findings!

In the meantime, check out my book review before grabbing yourself a copy.

?Hit play now! ??

?? Read: Achieving behaviour change through social learning theory

In uncertain times, when economic pressures often translate to tighter L&D budgets, it’s more critical than ever to showcase the ROI of our training efforts. But how can we ensure that our training initiatives truly make an impact?

Join us as we explore the principles of social learning theory and the secrets to creating collaborative learning experiences that inspire, engage, and drive lasting behaviour change.

?Ready to accelerate your learning outcomes? Dive into the blog now !

?? Read: up on all the latest L&D insights

Do you find that there are so many interesting articles, features and blogs out there there's just not enough time to read them all? ?? Don't worry! We’ve picked 3 of our favourite articles this month and summarised the highlights, facts, and top takeaways. You can read them all below!

1?? 3 ways to boost the happiness of your learners (and why it’s important to)

• Positive emotions significantly enhance learning recall, while negative emotions can hinder it.
• Maximise positive feelings during the initial phase of the course (first 30-60 mins) by actively engaging with, and paying equal attention to all participants, especially in a virtual setting.
• You can use effective preparation steps: Incorporate learners' responses to pre-work exercises in the training session to build rapport and inclusion, and make sure that you're comfortable with your tech stack to avoid participant disengagement.

?Read the full TrainingZone article here .

2?? Leading the 6-generation workforce

• Consider generations as cultures and so foster mutual respect and appreciation among team members, with no sense of generational superiority.
• Reimagine the 6G talent pipeline by creating meaningful, rather than honorific, opportunities for senior talent post-executive roles, while engaging and retaining younger talent through transparent career paths.
• It's not just Gen Z that's motivated by purpose, preferring to work for organisations that make a positive difference. Unify employees of all generations around the importance of purpose to achieve greater alignment.

?Read the full Harvard Business Review article here .

3?? Remembering Daniel Kahneman: Putting your intuition on ice

• Behaviour change is achieved by weakening restraining forces rather than just pushing for change, highlighting the importance of understanding why individuals aren't already engaging in the desired behaviour.
• To improve decision-making, it's essential to slow down and consider your options systematically, or using rules, rather than relying solely on rapid intuitions, which your biases can influence.
• Effective negotiations involve understanding the other party's perspective rather than applying pressure. Aim to understand how to make it easier for them to move your way.

?Listen to the full podcast here .

We’re on a mission to spread our love for learning. We’re sharing resources, tips, experiences and insights with anyone in L&D (and those not in L&D are welcome too of course!) curious enough to want to learn more. Stay up to date and receive notifications when our new L&D Edit is released, subscribe here . To explore the world of training and resources The virtual training team can offer check out our website .

See you next month!

Best wishes,

Catherine Nicholson,

Creative director, The virtual training team