Gianpiero Petriglieri, an associate professor at INSEAD and expert in leadership and learning, delves into how leaders foster effective learning in organizations. He categorizes approaches into custodians, challengers, and connectors, explaining which styles thrive in various contexts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of upskilling and creating inclusive environments that balance diverse perspectives. Petriglieri underscores the foundational role of understanding the purpose of learning in leadership, promoting innovation and collaboration.
Leaders must create a supportive learning environment that prioritizes employee development to attract and retain talent amid rapid change.
Utilizing distinct leadership styles—custodians, challengers, and connectors—enhances organizational learning by addressing unique needs and fostering collaboration.
Deep dives
The Urgency of Upskilling in Modern Organizations
The rapid pace of external change and increasing talent mobility are driving a significant demand for upskilling within organizations. As employees seek opportunities for accelerated learning rather than long-term job loyalty, companies that promise growth and development are more likely to attract and retain talent. Effective learning environments can directly enhance an organization's adaptability and make it an appealing place to work. Therefore, it is essential for leaders at all levels to actively foster an atmosphere that prioritizes learning and development.
Three Leadership Styles for Cultivating Learning
Three distinct leadership styles can enhance learning within organizations: custodians, challengers, and connectors. Custodians focus on aligning employee skills with organizational standards through structured learning programs, whereas challengers create an environment that encourages questioning of the status quo and fosters innovation. Connectors prioritize building relationships across teams, facilitating collaboration to enhance overall efficiency and innovation. Each of these styles serves a unique purpose in fostering a learning culture tailored to an organization's specific goals and strategies.
The Balance of Time and Space in Learning Environments
For effective learning to take place, both time and space are crucial components that organizations need to consider. Leaders should create dedicated learning spaces that allow employees to engage in innovative thinking and skill development away from everyday pressures. The social aspect of learning cannot be underestimated, as collaboration with peers can significantly enhance the learning experience. Ultimately, a balanced approach that accommodates for divergent thinking while maintaining alignment with organizational goals will cultivate a more dynamic and effective learning culture.
In an age of rapidly changing technology, it’s more important than ever for organizations to effectively support employee learning. Gianpiero Petriglieri, associate professor at INSEAD, has studied leaders who do this well and says they fall into three categories: custodians, challengers, or connectors. He explains which type of learning leader works best in which contexts and how all three approaches can help individuals and teams reach the next level. Petriglieri is author of the HBR article "Three Ways to Lead Learning."
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