Cast your mind back to your most impactful learning experience. For me, it was a series of leadership sessions with colleagues from across the organisation I worked at early in my career. The energy in the room was palpable, ideas bouncing off one another, and the collective ‘aha’ moments still resonate with me today, over 20 years later.
As a seasoned L&D professional, you’ve likely witnessed the ebb and flow of learning trends. From the rise of e-learning to the recent surge in AI-powered solutions, the landscape of leadership development has undergone significant shifts. Yet, amidst these technological advancements, one format continues to prove its worth: live learning.
As someone who’s also been immersed in the learning landscape through creating and delivering but also attending training sessions myself, I’ve also seen trends come and go. But time and again, I’ve found myself drawn back to the power of live learning. Why? Because it’s in these moments of real human connection that true leadership growth occurs.
The Magic of Peer-to-Peer Learning
Remember the last time you solved a complex problem with your colleagues? That buzz of collaboration, the spark of a new idea taking shape – that’s the essence of live learning. It’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about creating knowledge together.
In one particularly memorable session, we were tackling a thorny issue about team trust. As we shared our experiences and challenges, I watched barriers break down. Leaders from different departments, who had previously been at loggerheads, were now nodding in understanding. That’s when I realised: you can’t replicate this level of empathy building in an on-demand digital environment.
Trust and Empathy: More Than Just Buzzwords
We often talk about trust and empathy as essential leadership skills, but how do we actually develop them? In my experience, it’s through real-time interactions, observing body language, and navigating difficult conversations in a safe space.
I recall a role-playing exercise where we had to deliver tough feedback. The immediate reactions, the uncomfortable silences – these were invaluable learning moments. As one participant put it, “I’ve read about empathetic leadership, but this is the first time I’ve truly felt its impact.”
The impact of trust in the workplace is staggering. A study by Harvard Business Review revealed that employees in high-trust organisations report 74% less stress, 106% more energy at work, and 50% higher productivity. These aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to the power of building trust through live, interactive learning experiences.
Fostering Innovation Through Critical Thinking
In today’s fast-paced business world, innovation isn’t just encouraged – it’s essential. But how do we cultivate the critical thinking skills needed to drive innovation?
During a cross-industry workshop, we were challenged to solve a complex business problem. The diversity of thought in the room was astounding. Marketing gurus were learning from finance experts, HR professionals were offering insights to operations managers. This cross-pollination of ideas simply doesn’t happen in siloed on-demand learning.
It’s no wonder that according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking and problem-solving top the list of skills employers believe will grow in prominence in the next five years. Live learning provides the perfect environment to hone these crucial skills.
The ROI of Human Connection
While we can’t ignore the convenience of on-demand learning, there’s an undeniable return on investment when it comes to live sessions. I’ve seen first-hand how lessons learned in these interactive environments translate directly to improved performance back in the workplace.
One leader shared with me, “After that conflict resolution workshop, I immediately used the techniques in a team meeting. It completely changed the dynamic.” It’s these immediate applications that make live learning so powerful.
The numbers back this up too. A study by the Association for Talent Development found that organisations with comprehensive training programmes have 218% higher income per employee than those without formalised training. Moreover, research by Deloitte showed that organisations with strong learning cultures are 52% more productive, 17% more profitable, and 58% more prepared to meet future demand.
Striking the Right Balance
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not advocating for abandoning on-demand learning entirely. In fact, some of the most effective programmes I’ve been part of have blended live sessions with digital resources. It’s about finding the right mix for your organisation and the level of people and knowledge share needed for what you are trying to acheieve.
Putting it in to Action
As you reflect on your own leadership development strategy, I encourage you to think about your most impactful learning experiences. Chances are, they involved real-time interaction with peers, challenging discussions, and immediate application of new skills.
So, let’s not lose sight of the power of live learning in our rush to digitise everything. After all, leadership is fundamentally about human connection – shouldn’t our development programmes reflect that?
I’d love to hear about your experiences. What’s been your most impactful live learning moment? How are you balancing on-demand and live learning in your organisation?
Are you ready to take your leadership development to the next level?
Cognitive Union is a progressive, boutique learning and performance consultancy. We work with forward-thinking businesses. Transforming their people. Shaping their culture. Helping them embrace change and take on the world. Find this blog useful? Sign up to our email newsletter (bottom of this page) where you can receive articles like this and other insights (not publically published), and you can also follow us on LinkedIn.