Choosing the Right LMS with John Leh
This post is a summary of highlights from our L&D Done Right podcast, Episode 3 with host Gill Williams, CD2 Learning’s Vice President of Sales. Our guest is John Leh, CEO of Talented Learning, who has 25 years of experience in the learning management system (LMS) industry, and helps organizations make informed decisions when purchasing learning technologies.
Watch entire interview on our YouTube channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
You need a better system for learning and development, but aren’t sure where to start sorting through the hundreds of options for the right learning management system (LMS)? We’ve got you. John’s been in the business for decades and was so insightful on our podcast. Here’s his advice to finding the right LMS for your organization.
Win your CEO with actionable analytics
In 2023, learning is no longer considered an annoying necessity for compliance, but a competitive advantage. Companies can track and measure the ROI of learning and development to address problems like high turnover, client satisfaction, and productivity. With millennials and Generation Z entering the workforce, the expectation of investment in employee development has become a norm across industries.
“It’s not the top 5% or 10% — the top 50% of organizations now realize that learning is a tool to compete better in the industry.”
Tackle the skill gap head on
Technology innovations like AI mean the gap between university education and practical job skills has widened, emphasizing the need for continuous reskilling. Learning organizations are adapting to the changing landscape by offering not only formal courses, but also resources and hybrid learning opportunities. Creating a culture of learning within organizations requires leadership support, the provision of time and materials, and a recognition that learning is a lifelong process.
Why are there so many LMS platforms?
Most LMS platforms were created to fill a specific niche in an industry. As technology has changed, expectations of what an LMS is has adjusted too. Now an all-purpose learning system might be the right fit or an industry-specific platform might work best (oh look! CD2 Learning is in the top 20 LMS platforms - whoa!).
Three considerations when choosing a LMS
Once an LMS is chosen, the integration process is so intensive, interdepartmental and costly that — even if the LMS turns out to be awful for the organization — your company is pretty much stuck with it for at least 3 years. That’s why picking the right LMS the first time is crucial.
It seems simple, but clarifying your stakeholders’ goals, audience and support requirements are essential. Consider the following questions when evaluating different platforms:
What are the measurable goals and outcomes we want to achieve?
Defining clear objectives and success metrics from the start helps weed out LMS solutions that won’t be a good fit.Who are our target learners, and what behaviors are we trying to change?
This articulates what features are needed on the LMS platform.How much assistance and support will we need?
Determining the level of help required — whether it's content development, strategy, or administration — can help identify the right partner who aligns with your organization's goals.
“In addition to younger generations demanding more, organizations are also demanding more, because you’re never done re-skilling. Professionals are constantly re-skilling or adding to their skills as technology changes and evolves.”
Enlist a pro
The world of learning tech is shifting super fast. With AI, the abundance of options and the complexity of the market, the buying process for LMS has become intricate. John highlights the importance of a structured and informed approach to ensure a successful purchase and avoid a costly mistake.
John’s company, Talented Learning, walks clients through his tried and true buying process that includes executive buy-in, building a business case, and evaluating solutions based on their unique needs. Talented Learning’s website also offers a wealth of free resources and guidance to assist buyers in navigating the buying process effectively.
Final thoughts
Investing in an LMS can be a game-changer for businesses and educational institutions alike. By leveraging the insights shared in this interview, L&D leaders can approach the LMS buying process with confidence. Remember, finding an LMS that aligns with your organization's specific needs, shows actionable outcomes and has the level of support you need, is key to unlocking the full potential of digital learning.
“Learning isn’t ‘nice to have’ in 2023. Learning is a competitive differentiation.”
Need Help?
Looking for a place to start or advice on making the case for a LMS to your CEO? We can help.