1. Get leadership buy-in
Establishing and nurturing a learning culture is an ongoing process that requires long term
support (and work) from the leaders in your business. These are the people who will be
implementing and reinforcing training initiatives, so they have to care about this as much as you
do. Talk to them. Show why you care and what this change will do for the business as a whole.
People are naturally resistant to change, but you need everyone behind you to make a cultural
shift so share your passion and be prepared to convince the naysayers.
2. Make it official
If you want employees to embrace a learning culture, make training and development plans
mandatory. Learning only becomes a culture (rather than an occasional event) when it is a
standard part of working life for all employees.
3. Embrace the influencers
The social leaders in your workplace go beyond management. Think of your longstanding and
socially dominant employees as influencers. If you want buy-in across the whole business, you
would do well to get them on board. Share your plans and consider their feedback. Their
support will help you considerably, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
4. Celebrate your training champions
It’s important to show employees who successfully complete their training that their efforts
won’t go unnoticed. You don’t need to throw a parade, but a little recognition goes a long way.
Send emails, say a few words in the office or construct an elaborate balloon arch over their
desks. It’s your call.
Another benefit worth noting here is that public recognition will encourage the wider team to
get involved in training themselves. Everyone loves a pat on the back!
5. Use feedback
It is important not just to ask for feedback, but to demonstrate that you will listen to it. Hold
regular sessions, run polls and encourage your team to be open about the negatives as well as
the positives. Training is an investment, and this is an excellent way to establish true ROI. If
something isn’t working, change it. This will ensure you and your team get the most out of the
time and money spent on learning.
6. Take advantage of the skills you develop
A huge advantage of a culture of learning for any business is the potential for growth from
within. Before looking externally for your next hire, look at the additional skills and experience
your people have gained since they joined you. You might just find your “new hire” is already
with you.
Making this approach a standard part of your hiring process will show your team that you are
serious about supporting their growth and, in turn, will cement their engagement in your
training and development initiatives.
About the Author: Tom Moore is Chief Operating Officer at iAM Learning – creators of engaging animated elearning content that improves performance and encourages professional development. The iAM Learning library features high-end animation, likeable characters and captivating stories that make even the most serious subjects appealing and unforgettable. You can access the library free for seven days with a no-obligation free trial. Visit https://www.opensesame.com/s/iam-learning now to get started!