Be the L&D lighthouse

It's been a challenging few weeks for all of us for many different reasons: concern for loved ones,  isolation from people and unimaginable changes to the way we are living in a very short space of time.

Lighthouse

Blake Henegan of Optimus Learning Services writes:

The Change Curve

As we begin the third week of “lockdown” I’ve been reflecting on where we are in the change process.  Using adaptions of the Kubler-Ross Change Curve, combined with conversations from the past fortnight,  businesses and people are moving through the uncertainty stage, and are accepting the situation as a new normal. 

 

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It’s our job in L&D right now to support people at this stage, to stop people sliding backwards into doubt, and to get people to start embracing the changes and continue to rebuild their ways of working.  Moving forward, with learning, we want these changes to become second nature.  For people to embrace the different ways of working, to be innovative and creative, and accepting a new normal or status quo. 

Sharpen the saw

You’ll be going through this change process to, so consider where you are on it.  Make sure that you embrace the concept of sharpening your saw.  Invest time in the four areas of your life – physical, social/emotional, mental and spiritual.

Plan for how you can equip your workforce.  Seek advice to help you handle the current information overload.

A competitive edge is crucial

The actions you take now and in the next few weeks will have longer-lasting effects.

L&D cannot sit back and ride out the storm.  Or let the business deprioritise learning and people development.  Even if they want to. Open their eyes to Virtual Training.  

Time to Engage

So now is the time, take those conversations a little further, work with the business and employees on what learning they need right now.
Listen to and challenge them. 

Be the lighthouse

Calm. Strong. A beacon of light. Of hope.

Be the lighthouse.    Let your employees know you are here for them.  To support and guide them,  give them reassurance and listening to them.

Show your worth

Be the caring, empathetic part of the business.  Let people know you are concerned about their welfare.  

  • Provide guidance on mindfulness and mental health,  on maintaining a routine and motivation, and keeping engaged. 
  • Giving managers support and practical tips for working under difficult circumstances, for managing working from home teams
  • Help people learn how to communicate better and use platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Hangouts etc.
  • Keep thinking of ways to keep employees motivated, engaged and developing.

If your employees don’t need you right now that’s fine – just letting them know you are there for them could be all they want right now.

Start preparing for the next stage

It’s not nice knowing that for many businesses, the short-term focus is survival.  However, there will be a post COVID-19 world, with economic recovery.  

You need to consider multiple scenarios for your company.  McKinsey Consulting has put together great advice on getting ahead of the next stage of the coronavirus crisis.

What will be needed?  What preparations do you need to make?



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