How to Create A Compelling Learning Culture

I commend the recent article in HR Daily, November 4 2009, by Senior Associate Nichola Constant from Harmers Workplace Lawyers, who states in her article that Employee buy-in is vital for high-performance cultures. She states that “Obtaining employees' "buy-in" when drafting performance goals helps to guard against unfair dismissal claims, and that by giving employees "buy-in" when drafting high performance criteria, employers can guard against future claims that the criteria were unreasonable. She states clearly that targets need to be realistic and well communicated and employees need to be equipped to meet expectations of their role and outcomes, including continually reassessing targets and managing poor performance – especially in light of the current economic climate.

This is more than merely leadership rhetoric, and true testimony to this common sense approach is in a recent leadership program that a successful business have done on their own initiative and supported and implemented by us over a period of 18 months. This program included Leadership Coaching, Specialized Training in specific areas, Psychometric Testing, Surveys, Leadership Plans, Networking Initiatives, and regular Performance Appraisals.

What made this program so successful and have complete buy in by the staff was that the MD engaged the personal and professional needs of each staff member in the context of who they are and what their personal drivers and ambitions are. By having individual learning plans that each person was responsible for bringing to the table with a dedicated time frame, outcome and strategy around how and why it was the best option ensured that each person was fully focused, excited about their own learning and career opportunities.

As part of the program there were clear guidelines and expectations with “touch points” every few weeks, enabling them to identify where they were making a difference and how it was impacting on the business. This organization went above delivering high quality to customers and delivered high quality to each other and themselves. They defined a high performance culture by virtue of what they were doing and committed to.

Please see article 'How to Create a Compelling Learning Culture'

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