Experiential Learning: Leading Workforce Capability Improvements in a VUCA World
Session Abstract
How do organizations increase workforce capability and performance in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment? Training, alone, is insufficient. Traditional expert knowledge resists the unprecedented demand for adaptability. This presentation suggests (a) a framework for experienced-based workplace learning solutions and (b) the vital role of reflective leadership.
Target Audience
This presentation is conceived for people in organizations who design and construct workforce development strategies to drive increased individual, team, and organizational performance. In many organizations, this responsibility rests with human resource (HR) and learning and development professionals. However, given the importance of alignment of workforce development with business strategies, this presentation is also relevant to business leaders who are interested in an alternative approach to workforce and leadership development.
Session Description
How do we facilitate faster and better learning that leads to improved performance in environment of rapid and pervasive change? This presentation proposes a new framework that answers this question. Typically, in times of fast-paced change, organizations turn to ineffective one and done training events to keep up with escalating demands for more training within shorter development and delivery cycles. The result is a workforce ill-prepared to meet vacillating and more complex job demands. Without a capable workforce, companies cannot innovate, adapt, and compete in an atmosphere of rapid and pervasive change.
There is a rising chorus of scholars, researchers, and practitioners advocating a significant reinvention of the way we “do” workforce development. The session supports this trend. While new research or new concepts are not introduced, the presentation offers an alternative and viable approach to workforce development. It is intended that this framework will make understanding and implementing a coherent work-based experiential learning strategy easier. Change is relentless, and competition is fierce. While most companies still cling to anachronistic training solutions, rapid and complex change threatens their survival. It is time for change.