The L&D Edit | March 2024 | Edition #22

Hi there VTT'ers ??

In this edition, we're exploring innovative research, sharing thought-provoking book recommendations, and actionable insights to empower your workforce.

Here's a sneak peek at what's inside:

?? Shape the future by joining our Gen Z research project: Join us in decoding the needs and aspirations of Gen Z to craft tailored training solutions that empower both employees and organisations.

?? Explore the power of intuition: Discover captivating book recommendations, including "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell.

?? Uncover four dimensions of personal growth: Learn how to nurture employee development across emotional, social, intellectual, and career dimensions, with actionable strategies for each.

?? Stay up-to-date with the latest L&D Insights: Get a curated selection of must-read articles, featuring insights on accountability, neuroinclusion, and fostering vulnerability at work.

Get ready to learn, grow, and be inspired! ??

??Calling all L&D leaders: Shape the future by joining our Gen Z research project!

Are you ready to dive into the minds of Gen Z, the dynamic force reshaping the workforce landscape? At VTT, we're embarking on an exciting research journey to decode the needs and aspirations of this tech-savvy generation.

Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, brings a unique set of values, preferences, and challenges to the table. And we want YOUR input to craft tailored training solutions that empower both Gen Z employees and their organisations.

Join us in this ground-breaking research project by lending your insights and expertise. Whether you're keen to share your experiences, or encourage your Gen Z employees to participate, there's a role for you!

? Ready to shape the future of learning and development? Sign up to take part here!

?? Watch: Explore the power of intuition with "Blink" and 14 more VTT book recommendations!

If you're on the hunt for thought-provoking reads to enrich your training programmes, or even your own knowledge, look no further! Our team has curated a selection of top-notch book recommendations, and I'm thrilled to share my personal favourite with you: "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell.

In this captivating exploration of intuition, Gladwell dives deep into the subconscious mind, uncovering the hidden forces that shape our decisions in the blink of an eye. As our creative director, I couldn't be more excited to spotlight this gem. Join me as I delve into why "Blink" resonates with me and my key takeaways

?Hit play now! ??

Hungry for more? Here's our full list of book recommendations:

1. Thinking, Fast and Slow

2. The Battle for Your Brain

3. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

4. A Brief History of Intelligence

5. Predictably Irrational

6. The Cult of Creativity

7. Everyday Utopia

8. The Experience Machine

9. The Good Life

10. The Intelligence of Intuition

11. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

12. Games People Play

13. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

14. Man's Search for Meaning

15. 50 Psychology Classics

?? Read: Personal growth uncovered: four dimensions of development

In the world of L&D, nurturing employee growth is paramount. It's about facilitating transformation, and guiding individuals from comfort zones towards new horizons. But how should we structure our training to cultivate personal growth effectively? Join us in our latest blog as we assess the four pillars of personal development — emotional, social, intellectual, and career — and explore actionable strategies for each.

?Ready to empower your workforce? 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?? It’s time to stop playing the Blame Game.

• Blame vs. accountability: It's time to shift from blaming to owning responsibility in the workplace.
• Below-the-line behaviour: Recognise common behaviours that keep us stuck in blame culture, hindering progress.
• Operating above the line: Embrace accountability by focusing on solutions and taking initiative.
• Cultivating accountability: empower employees with best practices for fostering accountability and collaboration, such as obtaining other perspectives, and doing the things you'll say you'll do.

?Read the full TrainingZone article here.

2?? Neuroinclusion at work

• Lack of awareness leads to exclusion of up to 20% of potentially neurodivergent individuals.
• Prioritise neuroinclusion alongside other diversity initiatives.
• Empower individuals to advocate for their needs and support them accordingly.
• Embrace flexible working arrangements to accommodate diverse needs.
• Encourage ongoing dialogue and participation from neurodivergent voices in shaping organisational policies and practices.

?Read the full CIPD guide here.

3?? How Pixar fosters a culture of vulnerability at work

• Employees must navigate personal story sharing carefully due to potential risks like being perceived as lacking confidence or leadership presence.
• Strategic vulnerability involves weighing up the costs of authenticity against the benefits of self-disclosure.
• Akin to the three-act structure of storytelling, we should encourage employees to share their growth journey from facing obstacles to finding resolution.
• Initiatives like mentorship programmes and inclusive leadership training can help build trust, deepen connections, and empower lower-ranked employees to share their stories with confidence and intention.

?Read the full Harvard Business Review article 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