Solve the unique challenges of L&D.
Learning related functions (L&D, Enablement, Capability) share common challenges with other internal teams. They also have their own unique problems and opportunities.
Our work is spread throughout the organisation and touches everyone within it. We have to jump between topics, business areas and projects while maintaining a focus on the science of learning, performance improvement and the technology we manage. We have to be simultaneously creative and business minded. We have to deal with pre-conceived notions of what we do, who we are, and how to work with us. We're often relied upon and sometimes considered unnecessary: a cost centre.
While most people will agree that learning is crucial to business success, and to achieving the organisation's strategy, we may not be seen as a strategic part of the business.
What does being strategic mean?
Operating strategically means focusing on long-term goals and adapting to changes in the organisation. Actions align with the overall mission and vision. It's not just having a strategy. It's being able to zoom in and zoom out as the need arises. Focusing on the macro and micro at the same time. Having methods to help understand and better serve the organisation you're in. Being perceived as an enabler, not content developers and facilitators.
Without being strategic we're reactive. And we can't do our best work.
Changing the narrative
Everyone wants L&D to be strategic. Why wouldn't they? Sure, sometimes people "just want this course made" but that's on the surface. Everyone wants to work with colleagues who get what they do, why they do it and understand what they want. They appreciate expert advice that helps them solve their problems. They benefit from support that is targeted, effective and efficient.
Getting the balance right between effective and efficient
Effective is getting results and outcomes. Efficiency is reducing unnecessary waste. The two are often in conflict (or appear to be in conflict) when we're doing analytical and creative work. It's important to find the right balance.
In order to get this balance, and be more strategic, we need to build supporting capabilities and the processes to back it up.