career)
I have always put the effort into learning more about learning.
Formally and Informally I tried to learn more about L&D
(Learning and Development).
My MBA was in general management, hence didn’t have a chance
to learn “Learning and Development” systematically.
During the FPM program at XLRI, I got a chance to attend an
HRM course, in which L&D was covered nicely. But still, it was not an
in-depth full course.
I tried to sneak into XLRI’s HRM electives in “Training and
Development” – but then covid and lockdown blocked my attempt!
However, I tried my best to learn outside of this.
First I took a program “Designing learning interventions for
personal change” by Ashish
Pant of “Pathways to self“.
It runs in a seminar fashion with a small number of learners and a lot of
personal attention. They formed a
learning community too. However, the workshops were stopped later!
I attended one more certificate program in L&D. But I think
it was more suitable for trainers and wasn’t going deep in the practice of
L&D. It left me thirsty. Most of the other programs that I come across were suitable for
trainers and not diving deep in the practice of L&D.
I searched programs offered by various Institutes including
IIMs, but none of the programs enticed me enough to join. (However, do share in
comments, if you are aware of any good program).
Then I came across the KPMG program “Future
learning and development leader program”. It wasn’t like a short MDP or
executive program or workshop. I found the program well designed covering
almost all aspects of the L&D cycle plus a few foundational skills for consulting in the area. Plus, I
perceived KPMG brand name and consulting practice will add value to the learning.
I was right.
The program was rigorous and had a flavor of consulting in
L&D. Something that added value to me as an academic.
That certainly put me on a fast track to learning. The
facilitators were experienced consultants. Assignments were practical. Discussions
were great, and a peer group – professionals and enthusiastic about L&D.
All ingredients of a good program conducive to learning were in place. And it helped
to get a grip on practice also.
I supplemented the learning with teaching.
Teaching is the best form of learning. This year, I opted
for teaching an elective in L&D. I could closely/deeply read a
textbook, and read through various HBR articles and cases. I am still
working on refining the program for the next offering.
Learning shall continue in learning and development.
I love reading, and reading can help in diving deep into any
topic of your choice.
Over my recent learning period, I have prepared a list of
some books, that will help anyone to dive deep into various aspects of L&D.
I don’t claim it to be a definitive list. It’s a list that I prepared for my
use. You may have different opinions. (Do voice them in the comments or DM
me!).
Here is the list. (& a brief comment)
1.
Telling
ain’t teaching I see that this book is frequently recommended in various
forums. I am curious to know more about this.
2.
Training
from the back of the room. This was discussed in one of the KPMG sessions.
The title intrigued me and maybe something that will help you to upgrade to
facilitator from trainer.
3.
Design
Thinking for training and development Design thinking is an exciting area. I wish to
learn more – particularly for solving issues/problems in the L&D domain.
4.
Design for how people learn I came across this book repeatedly in various searches.
The high number of ratings on amazon and Goodreads, enticed me to put it on
this list.
5.
Elevating
learning and Development: Insights and practical guidance from the field: (Here: Amazon
Link: Mckinsey doesn’t require introduction nor praise. Their articles are
insightful and will make you think. Probably the most influential name in
consulting and knowledge business. Book title and its relevance – make it must
read for this list.
6.
Neuroscience
for learning and development Coursera’s most popular course by Barbara
Oakley is on learning. One of her lectures, make me interested in learning more
about neuroscience.
7.
Training
instruments in HRD and OD: I have partially read this book. It is an
excellent companion for any trainer, particularly in the area of behaviors. It
has more than 80 scales/instruments that you can use in your training
workshops. You don’t need to read it end-to-end, but you can refer to it
frequently in your practice.
8.
An
Indian approach to learning: The Talent Sutra: Devdutta Patnaik has a
different flavor to his writing. I am curious to know what he says about
learning. I am also curious to know what our traditional knowledge says about
learning – hope it is covered in the book.
9.
Designing
and Leading life-changing Workshops: The book title, introduction, and
online blurb enticed me. I put it on this list -because of the good number of
ratings and reviews on Amazon.
10.
Chief
Learning Officer: Driving Value Within a Changing Organization through learning
& Development:
11.
Chief
Talent Officer: The evolving role of Chief Learning officer: This and the previous book – focuses on the
CLO. Someone who drives the L&D -its strategy/direction and operation. When
one is studying L&D – it becomes obvious to note – more about CLO. In
addition to various topics, the book has interviews with some leading CLOs
12.
Corporate
Universities (Suggested in KPMG’s FLDLP Program). Firms are heavily
investing in corporate universities. It talks about what these
universities/academies are doing with various cases.
3.
L&D’s
playbook for Digital Age. This is
the latest publication by ATD. It was on the award
list of the book-summary site getAbstract.
Topic and award – enticed me to put this on the list.
If you know any good
book and think, it shall be on this longlist of L&D books, do let me know
in the comments.
I love reading and will read more or fewer titles from this
list. I often add my readings on GoodRead.
If I feel book content may be useful in class/program or for
future reference. I may end up taking notes (generally I put them in Evernote),
writing a summary, or/and reviews. And may be able to present the book
summary/reviews of some of this book. I can share that with you. If you are interested in knowing/getting them, do drop a comment or DM me.
Or just follow me on Linkedin.
Maybe we can have a community of L&D learners. Or I can
form a mailing list. (Don’t worry, I won’t SPAM. And you can always opt out
later!).
Or maybe we can think of a book club only for L&D domain
folks. (I do run a couple of book clubs. If you are in general interested in
reading, do comment or send me a direct message – I will get in touch.)
See you soon with more details on these books.
(Top Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Learning_is_Hanging_Out_(15905754123).jpg.
