Innovative Strategies for Leadership Development in the L&D Space
In a recent enlightening webinar hosted by ELB Learning, Laurel Schulert, the Senior Director of Learning Experience at SAP Concur, led an interactive workshop aimed at empowering learning and development (L&D) leaders. The session focused on the unique challenges faced by new leaders in the L&D space and provided practical strategies to enhance their effectiveness.
New leaders often grapple with uncertainty and indecision as they navigate unfamiliar career paths and are tasked with making critical decisions on a daily basis. Finding tailored resources and guidance for L&D leaders can be a daunting task, as most leadership development content is not specifically tailored to this niche. Additionally, L&D leaders may feel isolated without a network of peers, especially if they lead the only L&D team in their organization.
This engaging webinar sought to equip aspiring and new learning leaders with the tools to build and maintain high-performing L&D teams and empower them to excel in their roles.
Exploring the Unique Challenges of L&D Leadership
Laurel delved into the challenges of uncertainty and indecision that new L&D leaders often face. She noted the lack of leadership development resources tailored to the needs of L&D professionals, leaving new leaders feeling isolated, particularly if they are the sole representatives of L&D in their organizations.
Sharing her personal journey stepping into a leadership role, Laurel acknowledged the struggle of balancing day-to-day tasks with professional growth, resonating with many attendees.
Engaging Interactive Workshop Format
The webinar featured interactive activities designed to foster self-reflection and personal growth. Laurel encouraged participants to actively participate, emphasizing the opportunity for critical reflection on their leadership goals and strategies.
One of the initial activities involved envisioning the participants’ ideal L&D teams. Drawing parallels from sports coaching techniques, Laurel emphasized the importance of visualizing success and posed the question, “What do you want to be known for?” This prompted deep reflection on professional identity and aspirations.
Attendees were encouraged to journal their thoughts, promoting introspection that persisted throughout the session, setting the tone for a workshop centered on personal branding and leadership identity.
For a detailed walkthrough of this exercise and more, the full recording of the webinar can be viewed here.
Developing Your Personal Brand and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Emphasizing the significance of personal branding in pursuing leadership roles, Laurel highlighted that a strong personal brand is built on core values, personality traits, skills, strengths, and individual vision. This branding impacts others’ perceptions and can influence leadership opportunities.
Participants engaged in a journaling exercise to identify elements contributing to their personal brand. Laurel encouraged participants to vocalize or internally affirm these traits, stressing the importance of confidently showcasing one’s strengths for leadership success.
Addressing imposter syndrome—a common obstacle for new leaders—Laurel discussed the importance of recognizing one’s value to bolster confidence in pursuing opportunities. Strategies for combating feelings of inadequacy centered on focusing on individual strengths and accomplishments.
Throughout the session, participants shared reflections on their strengths as leaders, fostering a supportive community exchange on transparency, proactivity, and humility—key qualities for effective leadership.
Practical Strategies for L&D Leaders
Summarizing key takeaways, Laurel highlighted:
- Envision Your Ideal Team: Reflect on your dream L&D team and desired reputation.
- Develop Your Personal Brand: Identify core values and strengths aligning with external perceptions.
- Combat Imposter Syndrome: Recognize your worth and build confidence through self-awareness.
- Engage with Peers: Build a supportive network of L&D professionals for shared learning experiences.
Laurel’s dedication to empowering L&D leaders shone throughout the session, offering valuable insights for those seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities in this evolving field. Attendees were encouraged to download a fillable PDF handout accompanying the session, containing prompts for further introspection.
In conclusion, this dynamic workshop not only tackled pressing challenges faced by learning leaders but also equipped them with actionable tools to excel in their roles. Staying abreast of technological advancements in education is essential for professionals involved in learning and development.
For those who missed the webinar or wish to revisit these transformative concepts, watching the full recording is highly recommended.
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