Yesterday, I facilitated an inspiring discussion with Angela Champ, Tami Chapek , Joy Roscoe , Sarika Lamont and Elizabeth Okonji (Chartered FCIPD) on how to build a culture of growth and learning. The audience of 350+ had many questions – too many to be answered in our short 1-hour session.

Our discussion focused on building a culture of growth and learning in organisations. The panelists discussed the importance of having a growth mindset and embracing continuous learning. We talked about the roles of leadership, HR, and individuals in cultivating a learning culture.

But, what did we learn today? In a nutshell let me illustrate with an example daily situation in IT Digital Transformation projects.

An example in the life of an IT Project Manager

Imagine you’re a project manager spearheading a digital transformation initiative to incorporate advanced data analytics and AI technologies across your organization. During the project, you encounter significant pushback from several departments, wary of the new technology and its implications for their transform this challenge into a growth opportunity, you first delve into the transformation’s objectives detailed in your strategic plan, ensuring your actions are aligned with broader business goals. You then apply established change management strategies, emphasizing education and transparency to reduce fears and resistance.

Communication is key, so you organise regular training sessions and workshops. These aren’t just instructional; they’re interactive and inclusive, designed to engage team members in the transformation process actively. This approach helps demystify the technology and illustrates its benefits, fostering a more receptive and proactive workforce.

You also implement collaborative technologies that facilitate open communication and continuous feedback. This includes using project management tools that allow team members to see real-time progress and understand how their contributions fit into the larger picture. To further embed a learning culture, you leverage real-time data and analytics to create a feedback loop where team members can see the immediate impact of their work. This not only encourages ongoing engagement but also promotes a data-driven approach to problem-solving and innovation.

As the project manager, you integrate these elements to promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning. By doing so, you ensure that the digital transformation project is not just a series of tasks to be completed but a dynamic learning experience that enhances skills and encourages personal and professional growth throughout the organisation.

Top Five Key Points from this Story and the Panel

Five key points included:

1. Leaders need to model learning behaviour and create a safe space for people to learn from failures.
2. HR can design learning programs but also needs leadership buy-in and accountability to drive cultural change.
3. Individuals should take responsibility for their own learning and development through everyday experiences, not just formal training.
4. Organisations should define metrics to measure learning qualitatively and quantitatively over the long-term.
5. Cultivating curiosity can help integrate learning into people’s daily work and foster a learning culture.

My key takeaway from our discussion was to remember, career growth and learning is a continuous process, have patience and as you navigate your professional journey and achieve your goals.

Thank you once again to the wonderful and insightful panel members and to Hacking HR . Hacking HR is a global learning community of HR and business leaders, HR practitioners, vendors, consultants, and everyone else interested in learning, sharing, collaborating and advancing the HR profession. Hacking HR focus on all the things at the fabulous intersection of future of work, technology, organization, innovation, people, transformation and the impact in HR, the workforce and the workplace.

What to dig deeper.

Here is a link to the recorded discussion:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/buildingacultureofgrowthandlear7176574589399916544/theater/

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-build-culture-growth-learning-rod-hutchings-mappsc-zt21c/?trackingId=LOLslYfUQPGi%2BFIFNCUyaQ%3D%3D