#paradigm learning

As 2015 approaches, learning & development (L&D) needs are being re-evaluated to find providers offering effective solutions that engage talent and improve overall performance. At Paradigm Learning we decided to conduct a little research of our own. We compiled our participant survey feedback, listened carefully in the marketplace, and conducted several client interviews from Fortune 500 and 1000 companies. Here’s what they are saying about their learning and development focuses for 2015:

Applied learning provides real results. Industry studies continue to show that value and driving performance is directly linked to applied learning. Here at Paradigm our version of applied learning is discovery learning. Regardless of what you call it, applied learning is when training links to real world experiences. The learning is relevant to their workplace, job, role, and task. Applied learning leads to better job performance and greater value to the organization.

Blended learning is evolving. Technology is enabling blended learning to becoming more embedded, open, and connected. When influenced by business context, blended learning is resource driven, shorter, more focused, supportive, and performance related. Every organization is unique and blended learning allows for customized learning tools that deliver results.

Measurement tools are a must. The need for measurement is growing. Companies are looking for pre-assessments, post-learning reviews, and reinforcement tools. They want to be able create rich data for analysis, proving the benefit of the training.

The takeaways from this feedback:

Planning needs to happen now. At Paradigm Learning, we begin meeting with our clients in October to get their planning executed. Getting training dates organized for the first part of the year is a great best practice. We love to discuss where our solutions fit in for new customers, as well.

Find the right provider. If one thing is clear, it is crucial to find a provider that is aligned with your business needs for training to really make a difference. Make sure your provider has examples of companies they’ve been successful with in your industry.

Now’s your chance to get your planning started: Click here! Also, join the conversation on Twitter using #AskParadigm.

“Change is the only constant.” But what does it take to initiate change? And how do you gather people together to advocate it?

 It’s important to stay with the times and innovate for business success, but a lot of the time you might have people resisting change because “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

 We all know it’s not about fixing something, but rather staying ahead of the game in order to tackle challenges down the road and anticipate customer needs.

 If you don’t have a flashy way to keep your organization aligned behind your changes, maybe watching a video for some solar roadways will help you.

Solar Roadways is a prime example of an innovated, brilliantly marketed, and solution-based initiative; whether it’s actually a solution remains to be seen, all we’re pointing out is their ability to garner an excited following for a massive change initiative. The project raised over 2 million dollars in a couple of months.

All it takes to initiate changes, which inevitably happen in your organization, is a high-tempo and upbeat attitude to gather advocates. Your people should be excited about the change, not fearful of it.

Want help initiating change in your organization? CLICK HERE. Leave your comments below (and don’t forget to share)!

If you’re hungry, you want to be asked what you want to eat, not just given something that you’re expected to bite into.

  Have you ever watched a sales person struggle to sell because that’s all he was doing—selling?

  It may make sense that selling is all sales people need to do, but it’s really not. A successful sales person is one that can connect to each of his customers on a different level than just selling a product.

  The successful sales person will offer solutions rather than products. They will help the buyer in every way they can to get the most out of the transaction. It’s less of a “sell,” and more of a “trade.”

  This is why your sales people need to understand business acumen just as much as everyone else in your organization. If your sales people speak from a background of acumen, they will be able to connect with their buyers on the level of understanding the buyers’ business and financial needs.

  It obviously doesn’t stop there. A sales person still needs their finesse and flair. But if they go to a buyer with a solution, they will be much more likely to sell than if they brought a product. With business acumen training, your sales people will understand their customers’ financial objectives, marketplace issues and strategic initiatives and use that knowledge to credibly position products and services throughout the customer’s journey to a buying decision.

From @Business_Games: This report examines what critical thinking is, why today’s leaders need it and how learning leaders can use a discovery learning approach to accelerate knowledge and increase application and retention. In the article, author Catherine J. Rezak also overviews the importance of “context” as an adjunct to critical thinking skills.