378 — Management development: Doing more with less
Jan 23, 2024
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Exploring challenges of management development in a local government like London Borough of Camden, without traditional teaching. Discussion on unique obstacles, role of digital tools, and diverse manager cohorts for effective learning. Insights on content creation with chatbots and task reframing impact on behavior, topped with gratitude towards guests.
Development programs in local government face unique challenges due to diverse work contexts and limited budgets.
Management development programs in organizations can shift focus from traditional teaching methods to self-directed learning experiences for effective outcomes.
Deep dives
Challenges Faced by the L&D Team in Local Government Context
Managing learning across the entire organization, including cultural aspects, individual development, services, and profession-specific learning. The team composition of around 15 members equally divided between L&D designers, content developers, and logistical support. Serving a complex structure with 6,000 staff members and an additional 2,000 users from various sectors, making diversity a significant challenge.
Unique Challenges of L&D in Local Government
Diversity in professions and maturity levels across business units, each requiring tailored learning solutions. Navigating changing political winds, strategic shifts, and tight budgets in the public sector. Balancing compliance training with the need for effective, personalized learning approaches, given the diverse roles within the organization.
Innovative Management Development Approach at Camden Council
Implementing a management development program focused on facilitating learning experiences rather than traditional teaching methods. Managers engage in self-directed learning using a curated selection of resources, reflecting on their learning, and sharing insights in peer discussions. The emphasis is on developing a supportive, networked environment for continuous learning and collaboration.
Creating a Learning Culture Through Collaborative Development
Promoting a culture of continuous learning and development by encouraging self-directed exploration and knowledge sharing. Connecting managers to diverse resources and facilitating conversations to enhance their understanding and application of learning outcomes. Fostering peer networks and collaboration to propagate learning experiences and empower individuals across the organization.
Jackie Kennedy is Learning and Development Lead at London Borough of Camden, where work contexts range from libraries and schools to waste management and social care. How do you develop managers in these diverse contexts, with a public sector budget?
In this week’s episode of The Mind Tools L&D Podcast, Jackie joins Ross Garner and Owen Ferguson to discuss:
The unique challenges faced by local government
How to develop a management development programme without providing any ‘teaching’
The role of digital in Camden’s L&D strategy.
To read more about how London Borough of Camden leverage the Mind Tools on-demand content library, see our case study.
For more from us, including access to our back catalogue of podcasts, visit mindtools.com/business. There, you'll also find details of our award-winning performance support toolkit, our off-the-shelf e-learning, and our custom work. Or you can email rgarner@mindtools.com
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