Shonna Waters, PhD
Allison Gerrits
The traditional economic model is rapidly evolving, and learning and development (L&D) is poised to benefit immensely from this transformation. In the latest issue of Training Industry Magazine, our very own Dr. Shonna Waters, co-founder of Fractional Insights, explores this exciting shift in her article, co-authored with Allison Gerrits, L&D in the Age of the Ecosystem Economy. The piece offers an insightful look at how technological advancements and new collaborative models are reshaping the way organizations approach learning and development.
Why the Ecosystem Economy Matters for L&D
In her article, Dr. Waters explains how the ecosystem economy enables companies to break free from traditional, siloed approaches and instead embrace cross-industry collaboration. Co-authored with Allison Gerrits, the article emphasizes the power of collaboration in driving innovation. This shift is driving innovations that promise to:
Personalize Learning at Scale: Tailoring learning paths to the unique needs of each individual.
Increase Engagement and Efficacy: Leveraging behavioral nudges and AI-driven insights to enhance learner experiences.
Demonstrate Impact: Using integrated data streams to clearly tie development initiatives to business outcomes.
A New Approach to New Manager Development
One compelling example Dr. Waters explores is the evolution of new manager development. Traditional approaches often relied on static, one-size-fits-all solutions. In contrast, the ecosystem economy offers dynamic, interconnected experiences, such as:
AI-powered coaching and digital role-plays.
Real-time dashboards aggregating team sentiment and performance.
Seamless tie-ins to performance goals and business objectives.
This interconnected approach not only accelerates skill acquisition but also provides measurable results, creating a powerful flywheel effect with the learner at the center.
Action Steps for L&D Professionals
Dr. Waters encourages L&D leaders to adopt an ecosystem mindset by:
Imagining the Future: Envisioning hyper-personalized, frictionless learning experiences.
Building Coalitions: Engaging key stakeholders to drive transformation.
Partnering Strategically: Aligning with vendors who prioritize interoperability and innovation.
Designing for Analytics: Structuring data to demonstrate the effectiveness of initiatives.
This transformation represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for L&D professionals to lead innovation and impact. Dr. Waters’ article is a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of learning and development.
Click below to read the full article in Training Industry Magazine.
At Fractional Insights, we’re passionate about helping organizations embrace the future of work. If you’re ready to unlock the potential of the ecosystem economy in your organization, click below to connect!
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