Why You Should Proactively Identify Skill Development Opportunities
We need a training.
You've probably been approached by someone in your nonprofit telling you this. They didn't come saying we have a problem, or can you help us? They said, “we need a training.” But we all know that training isn't always the answer. And while we can set up processes to help mitigate how often this happens, it still happens. And this is one reason it's helpful to proactively identify skill development opportunities in your nonprofit.
That's what we're talking about today.
Listen to the episode or scroll down to read the blog post ↓
Key Points:
03:36 Building Cross-Organizational Bonds
04:50 Unveiling L&D's Potential
05:36 Calendar Control
06:19 Empowering Your Team
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Why You Should Proactively Identify Skill Development Opportunities
We need a training.
You've probably been approached by someone in your nonprofit telling you this. They didn't come saying we have a problem, or can you help us? They said, “we need a training.” But we all know that training isn't always the answer. And while we can set up processes to help mitigate how often this happens, it still happens.
I can remember receiving a training project once while working internally at a national nonprofit. It was to support a new program, a new initiative, one that would impact kids all around the country. The training would prepare staff to implement this new program.
Super exciting, good work, right?
So I identified a few different solutions, some training, but mostly job aids to help staff implement this program more effectively. But as I began working with a subject matter expert, she explained to me that she was going to deliver what she thought the training should be to a small group. She wanted me to observe the training, write down everything she said and that would be the training we would offer.
Yep I know, some of you are cringing as you read that.
But the thing is, this kind of thing happens all the time. Learning and Development is a skilled profession. And yes, anyone can probably create a training. But not everyone can do it well and with intention.
We don't want this situation to unfold for your Learning and Development team.
That's why I’m sharing four reasons why you should proactively identify skill development opportunities in your organization:
1) To Build Relationships Across the Organisation
The first reason why you should proactively identify skill development opportunities is that when you go through the process of proactively identifying needs, it requires you to interact with other teams in your organization.
You might have to set up calls with other senior leaders to understand what their department goals are. You might have to interview supervisors on their teams to understand the expectations they have for their staff, and where staff might not be meeting those expectations. You might have to run focus groups with staff to understand what makes it challenging for them to do their work effectively.
And with each conversation, you are listening ACTIVELY.
You're asking questions, you're validating what you hear, and you're showing interest in them and in their success.
You're building trust, and you are building relationships.
Those relationships are invaluable. And that's why you should put the time and effort into proactively identifying skill development opportunities.
If you work virtually, check out this blog post I wrote about 3 Ways to Build Allyship Virtually.
2) To Share What L&D Can Do
But, in order to even start having those conversations across the organization, and to get that opportunity, you probably have to share what Learning and Development can do.
Why would another senior leader give you access to their team and let you ask all these questions?
They won't unless they know you can help them. And they won't know you can help them unless you show them.
How do you show them?
By meeting their needs and creating real impact.
So this one is a bit of a chicken or egg situation. You need to share what Learning and Development can do, and then as you proactively identify those skills and design solutions that create behavior change, you can show them the impact of Learning and Development.
So the second reason why you should proactively identify skill development opportunities is to share what Learning and Development can do for them.
3) To Fill Your Calender with the Right Projects
The next reason you should proactively identify skill development opportunities is because it will allow you to fill your calendar with the right projects.
So because you're being proactive, you have more influence and more control over what projects are added to your team's to-do list.
This can help minimize the number of times another team comes to you and says, “We need a training.”
Or at least maximize the amount of time that you have to discuss their actual needs because your team already has a full calendar so you can build in time to have a conversation versus reacting to the we need a training request.
So fill your calendar with the right projects.
4) To Give Your Team Fulfilling Work
A bonus is that a full calendar gives your instructional designers a list of projects that are actually exciting to work on. That's because the projects are tied directly to your organization's needs, learner's skills, and real impact.
We all know how hard it is to find a good instructional designer. So we want to keep them when we find them.
Giving your instructional designers fulfilling work is a great reason to proactively identify skill development opportunities.
To hear the full conversation I had on the Learning for Good Podcast, scroll all the way up and tune into episode 46.
The Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective
Do you wish you could connect with other nonprofit learning and development leaders?
I know what it feels like to want someone to bounce ideas off of and to learn from, someone who really understands you and your work. Imagine if you could have a simple way to meet people in the field, ask questions, and share information.
That's why I created the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective – so nonprofit L&D, talent management, and DEI leaders can connect with each other quickly and easily in a virtual space.
When you join this community, you will walk away with a new, diverse, and powerful network – and a sounding board for your staff development needs.
So if you're ready to exchange ideas and collaborate with your peers, come join the Nonprofit L&D Collective.
