S6 E16: An Honest Dialogue About the Skills-First Era (with Bob Mosher)
Jul 8, 2024
auto_awesome
Bob Mosher, Chief Learning Evangelist at Apply Synergies, shares his expertise in workflow learning and the importance of a skills-first approach. The discussion highlights the pitfalls of trendy skills-based buzzwords and stresses the distinction between having skills and being skillful. Bob emphasizes the need for practical application over theoretical knowledge, particularly in leadership training. The conversation also explores how emerging technologies like generative AI can reshape learning and talent acquisition, encouraging organizations to rethink their strategies for upskilling.
A well-defined understanding of skills is essential for learning initiatives to effectively address existing skills gaps in organizations.
The focus on skills-based learning requires aligning development efforts with organizational goals to ensure the relevance and applicability of training initiatives.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Skills-Based Learning
Skills-based learning has become a major trend in the learning and development (L&D) industry, yet many practitioners struggle to implement it correctly. The discussion highlights the common phenomenon where new concepts become buzzwords, leading to widespread but inconsistent applications. Experts caution against merely revisiting past mistakes without a thorough understanding of what skills truly mean in a workplace context. There is a strong emphasis on learning from historical approaches to ensure that current initiatives effectively bridge the existing skills gap, instead of repeating ineffective practices.
Understanding and Defining Skills
A well-defined understanding of skills is crucial for successful learning initiatives. The podcast presents a definition of skills as learned behaviors that result in performance outcomes, supported by knowledge gained through experience. It points out the importance of contextualizing skills within job roles to ensure employees understand what is expected of them. The conversation suggests that without a clear and shared understanding among all stakeholders, including L&D departments and leadership, efforts to address skills gaps may falter.
The Shift from Training to Performance
The focus of learning is shifting from traditional training programs to enabling performance in real-time work environments. This means understanding what employees need to do in their roles and the specific knowledge they require to achieve those goals. The podcast emphasizes the importance of defining these outcomes prior to designing learning experiences so that educational efforts are relevant and practical. Drawing from personal anecdotes, the speakers illustrate how failing to connect training to actual job performance can leave employees ill-prepared for their roles.
Navigating the Intersection of Skills and Business Goals
Aligning skill development efforts with organizational goals is imperative for effective learning outcomes. The discussion highlights the need for L&D professionals to understand the broader business context and the metrics that reflect success. By focusing on producing measurable results, organizations can better justify investing in skills development initiatives. The conversation underscores the importance of looking beyond generic training solutions to tailor learning experiences that directly contribute to achieving business objectives.
Bob Mosher, Chief Learning Evangelist at Apply Synergies, joins the show to have an honest dialogue about the current skills-first, upskilling, and/or reskilling investments in organizations. We discuss how we can learn from similar moments in history (especially the failures), define what we mean by “skill", and how to shift from knowledge to application when partnering with business leaders.
If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeekspod@gmail.com.
DISCLAIMER
All thoughts and views are of our own.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode