The Vital Role Of Chief Learning Officers
As the speed, volume, and complexity of change continue to accelerate, and Learning & Development (L&D) continues to play a vital role in how organizations attract and retain talent, the role of the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) is also rapidly evolving. Research by Harvard Business Review posits that the CLO is not transforming. By taking a strategic and data-driven approach to Learning and Development, the CLO can lead their L&D team to guide organizations in building a culture of continuous learning and continuous improvement, which benefits both individual employees and the organization as a whole. The CLO is a vital member of the executive team, and in many organizations, the role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. As organizations continue to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape, the importance of the role of the CLO has become increasingly evident. This article highlights the 8 key skills every Chief Learning Officer needs to succeed.
What Are The Most Important Skills Of A CLO?
Visionary Leader
To be effective in this role, the CLO must be a visionary leader who is able to inspire and motivate employees at all levels of the organization. They must be able to communicate a clear vision for Learning and Development and show how this vision aligns with the organization’s broader goals and objectives. They must also be able to create a sense of excitement and energy around Learning and Development and be able to inspire employees to take ownership of their own personal and professional Development.
Strategic Thinker
The role of the CLO requires that they are strategic thinkers, able to see the big picture and connect the dots across the Learning and Development strategy and the Learning needs of an organization. This includes identifying the skills and knowledge required for employees to excel in their roles, designing and implementing L&D programs, and evaluating their effectiveness. All the Learning programs need to align with the strategic goals of the organization and the CEO’s agenda.
Pioneering Innovator
Another vital skill of the CLO is to be a pioneering innovator who fosters a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization. This involves encouraging employees to think outside of the box and come up with new and innovative solutions to the challenges that the organization is facing. It also involves creating an environment where employees feel safe to take risks and try new things without fear of failure or reprisal.
Data-Driven Decision Maker
The CLO must also be able to leverage data in making data-driven decisions and measuring the effectiveness of Learning and Development programs. This involves setting clear goals and objectives for these programs, aligning them to the organizational performance plan, and then tracking progress toward those goals over time. By measuring the impact of Learning and Development programs, the CLO can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions about how to allocate resources in the future.
Adaptive Agilist
One of the biggest challenges facing the modern CLO is the rapid pace of change in the business world. As new technologies emerge and markets shift, the skills and knowledge required of employees can change rapidly. This means that the CLO must be able to quickly adapt with agility and lead Learning and Development strategy to keep pace with these changes. To do this effectively, the CLO must be willing to experiment with new approaches to Learning and Development and be able to pivot quickly when something isn’t working. It also means being able to make decisions based on data and evidence rather than relying on intuition or past experience.
Influential Coalition Builder
Another key skill of a CLO is to build coalitions with stakeholders inside and outside the organization and act as a bridge between the Learning and Development function and these internal and external stakeholders. This involves working closely with other members of the executive team to ensure that Learning and Development programs align with the broader goals and objectives of the organization. It also involves being able to listen and influence others, as well as communicate the value of Learning and Development to employees at all levels of the organization, from entry-level staff to senior executives.
Skilled Communicator
To be effective in this role, the CLO must be a skilled communicator and collaborator. They must be able to build strong relationships with other members of the executive team, as well as with employees throughout the organization. To do so, they must be able to communicate complex ideas and strategies in a clear and concise manner and be able to adapt their communication style to relate to different audiences.
Committed Lifelong Learner
Another important skill of the CLO is to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of Learning and Development. This involves attending conferences, networking with other professionals in the field, keeping up with the latest research and best practices, and having a presence in social media through articles, podcasts, and web events. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field and by seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, the CLO sets an example for others to follow.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the role of the CLO is to help organizations build a culture of Learning and Development. By promoting the value of continuous learning and improvement, employees at all levels of the organization are able to develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in their roles. This not only benefits individual employees but also helps the organization as a whole to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
In order to be effective in this role, the CLO must be a visionary leader, a strategic thinker, a pioneering innovator, a data-driven decision maker, an adaptive agilist, an influential coalition builder, a skilled communicator, and a committed lifelong learner. They must be able to build strong relationships with other members of the executive team, as well as with employees throughout the organization. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field, being able to adapt their strategies to meet changing business needs quickly, and working collaboratively with other members of the executive team, the CLO can help organizations build a culture of continuous learning and improvement, that drives positive business outcomes and long-term positive performance.
