L&D Leadership Trends for 2023

Hi learning leader,?

It's that time of year! Time to reflect on 2022 and see what insights can help us prepare for 2023.?

Like I'm sure it does for most of you, each day brings a new industry publication to my inbox with information on "what to expect in 2023." Before we begin, I want to give credit where credit is due. The information for this article comes from:

• Training Industry?
• eLearning Industry
• Chief Learning Officer Magazine?
• CommLab India?
• RAS Personalized Solutions?

The learning landscape is changing. This means as leaders we need to prepare for what 2023 will bring. Why begin planning now? It's the difference between running a "proactive" and a "reactive" learning department. Here are 4 trends in 2023 that will impact the culture of learning within your organization. Let’s dive in and take a look.

Let me begin by saying - don’t let this information overwhelm you! It may feel like a lot and you're asking: how do we begin making these big changes?

Don't worry, I provide a free solution to help you (see below).

Leadership Trend 1: A healthy L&D culture begins with you

The culture of any organization is set by its leaders. So, it makes sense that your learning culture begins with you! Leadership development is just as important as other employee training. If you want to create a healthy culture, you have to begin with training for leaders. Work with the people in leadership positions to create a learning plan for each role. Be sure to include a plan for your own professional development, as well!??

Like many organizations, one of your goals for the new year may be to attract new talent. Having a learning plan for each position may make you more attractive to prospects. This learning plan should be a mix of current training offerings and ongoing learning. Work with HR and leadership to approve professional development from outside the organization. This lets prospects know you value continuous learning and are willing to invest in them.

Leadership Trend 2: Learning = Retention?

We know learning can attract new talent. But, research also shows that learning plays a role in the retention of employees. Ken Taylor and Michelle Eggleston Schwartz explain, “Developing career pathways and connecting learning to career advancement opportunities can enable employees to grow and stay with the company long term” (Taylor & Schwartz, 2022). Most employees do not want to leave their job, especially if they see an opportunity to grow. To retain employees, here is one of the most effective exercises you can do:?

• Find out what employees want (related to their roles).
• Creating a learning pathway for each job role.
• Provide training that teaches the skills needed for each position.

Leadership Trend 3: Create training that helps employees...now

Employee-driven learning is a trend from 2022 that will continue into 2023. Employees will continue to demand learning that is not a waste of time. Instead, learning has to help solve a real problem in real time. This means employees want training that:?

• Is easy to access.
• Provides an immediate solution.
• They can learn while they do their job.

This doesn’t mean that all training will now move online. But, it does mean job aids and other support materials will need to be available anytime and anywhere. Having an online platform that is easy to use on both desktop and mobile devices will be a necessity.?

On-the-job training and resources will become a staple of all training, online and in-person, in 2023. In the post-pandemic world, we know that jobs are more flexible. This means more employees will be working away from a traditional office. This is driving the type of support that employees are looking for while doing their job. For example, let's say an employee that works from home has a question about the software they are using. But, to find the answer requires they sit through a 3-hour training. Why not provide a 1-page document on FAQs around the software? Or, let's say a sales representative is looking for information to overcome objections on a new product. It doesn't make sense to make him or her wait a month for the in-person training to get support. In 2023, expect to create tools that help employees solve their problems in real-time.

Leadership Trend 4: Incorporating coaching into learning?

How do you make training more effective? By motivating learners to take action. One method that can motivate learners is coaching. This is especially effective when you are teaching a brand new skill. Dr. Kellerman writes, "With the help of a coach, individuals learn to do more than just prevent feelings of helplessness; they develop reframing and emotional regulation skills, as well as self-efficacy and optimism, which in turn lead to increased resilience in difficult situations and even spurred subsequent growth after the fact. Employees gain the strength they need to bounce back from challenges — and some even stronger because of those difficulties, a form of growth known as anti-fragility” (Kellerman, 2022). I predict in 2023 you will see many companies adding an element of coaching to training. And, it won't go away anytime soon. To set up coaching in training you have the option of 1:1 coaching or group coaching. As a supplement to both the coaching and training, consider setting up an online learning community. Having a coach lead these communities can help learners to reflect, ask questions, and apply the information they are learning.

Where do I begin??

While these trends are positive, they can lead to some big changes in your organization! Don’t let that overwhelm you - there is an easy way to begin. Sign up for ‘5 Steps to Better Training .’ This free course will help you incorporate the trends for 2023 so you can create better training. It only takes 15-minutes each day for the next week. In this course, we introduce you to the 5-step process known as the Learner Focused Framework. Receive a video and worksheet in your inbox each day for 7 days. Then use this information to plan your training goals for 2023.

Sign up to get started now!

Sources:?

Kellerman, G. R., Dr. (2022, November 23). Why coaching at all levels of an organization is the new workplace advantage. Chief Learning Officer.

Schell, R. A. (2022, November 22). The Learner Focused Framework: 5 Steps to Better Training. Create Better Training. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/learner-focused-framework-5-steps-better-training-rachel-schell-m-s-

Taylor, K., & Schwartz, M. E. (2022). Trends 2023: Managing Training for a Changing Workplace. Training Industry.