Learning Leaders Digest #112
Here's what's interesting this week.
Welcome back, Learning Leaders.
One of the things I enjoy most about writing this newsletter is that it keeps me connected to what’s happening in our profession.
Every week I read articles, browse LinkedIn, listen to podcasts, and pay attention to the conversations trainers are having. Some topics come and go. Others keep showing up.
Lately, one thing has become pretty clear.
Most trainers aren’t struggling because they don’t know how to build a course.
They’re struggling because they’re trying to build learning experiences in organizations that want everything faster, cheaper, and with immediate results.
AI has only made those conversations louder.
The technology is changing at an incredible pace, but the fundamentals haven’t. Adults still learn by solving problems, practicing new skills, reflecting on their experiences, and applying what they’ve learned back on the job. That’s why I keep coming back to adult learning theory. It gives us a foundation that doesn’t change every time a new tool comes along.
One more thing before we dive in.
I’m making a small change to the Digest. Instead of ending each issue with a Substack poll, I’m moving the conversation to LinkedIn, where more trainers can join in and learn from one another. Each week I’ll post a Question of the Week there and share some of the best insights in the following Digest.
This Week’s Question
What’s one piece of advice that’s widely accepted in L&D that you think is wrong?
I’d love to hear your answer on LinkedIn. My guess is we’ll all learn something from the discussion, myself included.
In Case You Missed It
Activity Tuesday: Start Before Day One
One of the biggest mistakes trainers make happens long before the session begins.
The Missing Ingredient in Most Training Programs
One of the most common questions I hear from trainers is, “Can AI create training activities?”
Throwback Thursday: Recognition Costs Nothing
This was originally published in Bob Pike’s Creative Training Techniques Newsletter in June 1994.
Episode 39: Listening Is the Skill Every Trainer Needs to Master, with Elizabeth Chatham
Links
The Leadership Alignment Challenge: Why Many Leaders Plateau
What 50+ Conversations With CLOs Taught Me About The Future Of Workplace Learning
What Are the Real Benefits of eLearning? A Complete Guide to Custom Solutions That Drive Results
From Excuses to Action: Eight Common Patterns That Hold You Back
Wisdom Transfer: Moving From Succession to a Thriving Leadership System
Why Employees Forget Most Corporate Training (And How To Change That)
