How Expert Learning Helps Organizations Close The Skills Gap With James McKenna

Hello everyone! My name is Ladek and my guest for today is James McKenna, the author of Upskill, Reskill, Thrive! Optimizing Learning & Development in the Workplace (2023). He serves as Assistant Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development at the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. He also runs a consulting firm, McKenna Learning, where he helps organizations take a human-centered approach to learning and improvement. In this ‘very expert’ conversation James and I talk about00:00 › Start01:33 › Workforce Insight—James shares insights from his book, which sets the stage for a deeper discussion on expert learning and its significance in today’s workforce05:43 › Experiment, To Learn—James delves into the critical topic of experimentation and learning from failures, where he advises introducing these essential skills to colleagues and creating an environment that nurtures innovation and resilience08:42 › Culture Roles—James then explores the pivotal roles within the workplace that enable and support a learning culture, highlighting the importance of leadership, management, and peer support in facilitating continuous growth and development13:42 › OMG Moment—We pivot to address the "OMG moments" of learning discoveries that have the potential to transform organizational processes and outcomes, discussing how to effectively bring these insights back to the team without resistance17:21 › Of All Sizes—James underscores the principle that "one size doesn't fit all" in learning, elaborating on how expert learners navigate and personalize their learning journeys to meet their unique needs and objectives22:21 › When Learner Goals Deviate—James discusses the challenge of managing learners who might deviate from organizational goals in their quest for knowledge, seeking strategies to balance individual learning aspirations with business objectives24:54 › Learning Culture Forward—We examine the common obstacles that organizations face in creating and sustaining a learning culture, emphasizing the mindset shifts and systemic changes necessary to overcome these barriers29:30 › Practicalities—Our dialogue shifts towards practical steps for integrating a learning culture into the daily workflow, discussing how organizations can make learning an intrinsic part of their operations without overwhelming their employees33:35 › Owning Every Learning—We touch on the importance of recognizing and formalizing learning achievements, exploring ways in which individuals can showcase their skills and competencies in a manner that aligns with career advancement goals36:06 › James offers actionable advice for organizations eager to start implementing expert learning practices today, providing a roadmap for gradual, impactful change Subscribe for the latest news, practice and thought leadership at eLearnMagazine.com