Every profession has challenges. Everyone has something they can complain about, something that isn’t working the way it should.
Learning and development (L&D) isn’t any different.
In reality, challenges are the reason professions — including L&D — exist in the first place. Solving challenges is why this profession started and it’s why we still exist.
A victim-style mindset, even if we fall into it unintentionally, doesn’t help us solve challenges.
However, as many times as I’ve seen the victim story, I’ve also seen the champion’s story. The champion is someone who embraces challenges over complaints. They see the challenge as an opportunity for critical and creative problem-solving instead of seeing it as a roadblock. They use the challenge as momentum to change rather than as a reason to complain — and the results are incredible. These are the needle-movers, the change-makers, and the career superstars.
It’s time to use our frustrations as fuel to create better outcomes, better organizations, and a better future.
Choose to be a winner, not a whiner
I’m going to start by answering my own call to action and offering practical ideas to empower ourselves and our profession.
Every organization is complex in its own way, and you may have to modify or adapt my ideas based on your unique scenario. But you will have a place to begin your march into the champions camp.
Let’s start with an overall approach to addressing challenges and begin acting like the champions of our story. We’ll look at it in three phases.
Phase 1: Expose and Interrogate
Many learning and development pros are training others on topics like tough conversations, emotional intelligence, and decision-making. So, you may be familiar with this approach. It’s the one where you start by clearly naming the problem at hand and then working to further define it.
1. Name and describe the problem/challenge
When you find yourself starting to complain about an L&D issue, that’s a sign to stop and define. Clear the emotional fog by naming the problem. Describe how you know it’s a problem and when it surfaced. Do what you can to clearly and logically outline the situation.
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In reality, challenges are the reason professions — including L&D — exist in the first place.
