Learning IS Strategy but Some Learning Teams Stay Stuck in Reactive Mode. Here's Why.

Does your L&D team spend most of its time responding to urgent training requests instead of shaping strategy?

In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with Mark Nilles and Scot Vessell, two experienced learning and development leaders, to discuss what it actually takes for nonprofit L&D to operate as a strategic lever.

We argue that becoming a strategic partner starts with an internal shift, from seeing yourself as a learning designer who produces training to seeing yourself as a change agent who helps solve organizational problems.

▶️ Learning IS Strategy but Some Learning Teams Stay Stuck in Reactive Mode. Here's Why.

▶️ Key Points:

00:00:00 Becoming a Strategic Partner in Nonprofit L&D

00:04:25 Meet the Panel: Nonprofit L&D Leaders on Strategic Partnership

00:08:05 Why Nonprofit L&D Teams Get Stuck in Reactive Mode

00:14:24 The Risk of L&D Staying a Reactive Training Factory

00:18:03 What Strategic Learning and Development Looks Like

00:22:30 Reframing the Conversation Around Nonprofit Training and Behavior Change

00:29:46 Practical Advice for Becoming a More Strategic Nonprofit L&D Partner

Resources from this episode:

Past strategic partnership episodes:

• E192: 10 Questions Strategic Learning Leaders Ask
• E191: How Nonprofit Learning Leaders Can Show Up as a Strategic Partner
• E186: The Mindset that Separates Strategic L&D Leaders from Order Takers
• E134: Being a Strategic Learning Partner & The Biggest Mistake You're Making

Join the next Learning for Good Summit on July 22nd: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625 

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Connect with Mark

LinkedIn: Mark Nilles 

Connect with Scot

LinkedIn: Scot Vessell 

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

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Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms