In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving workplace dynamics, the importance of community within the Learning and Development (L&D) space has never been more pronounced. In a recent episode of the "Always Learning" podcast by Dream See Do, our host and CEO Jeremy Berman, delves into this topic with Luis Malbas, founder of TLDC (the Training, Learning, and Development Community). Dream See Do’s very own, Farhan Quasem, also joins this discussion as Jeremy’s co-host, with some honest, poignant and actionable insights. This discussion sheds light on why vibrant, interactive communities are pivotal in fostering growth, innovation, and inclusivity in L&D.
Amplifying Learning Through Community Engagement
Communities in L&D provide a dynamic environment where knowledge sharing can be the norm, not the exception. In several of these communities, members are able to freely exchange ideas, challenges, and solutions, accelerating not only their personal growth but also the development of the community as a whole. This collaborative setting is crucial for an industry where ongoing fluctuations in corporate focus and market pressure require flexibility and adaptability to navigate these often tenuous and difficult waters. Jeremy shared his thoughts about how wonderful it was to join TLDC, and what it was like to gain that initial trust with the community:
"I remember when I first joined TLDC, there was this palpable sense of trust and camaraderie among the members. It felt like I was instantly welcomed into a community where everyone genuinely wanted to help each other grow and succeed."
Support and mentorship are additional pillars of these communities. Newcomers and seasoned professionals alike can seek guidance and feedback from peers who have navigated similar (and differing) paths. This supportive network is invaluable in a field that demands continual learning and adjustment to new technologies and methodologies.
Fostering Innovation and Creativity
The diverse makeup of L&D communities naturally leads to a rich tapestry of thoughts and experiences. When professionals from various backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives that can spark creativity and lead to innovative problem-solving. This diversity is essential for driving forward-thinking solutions in training and development.
As noted above, adaptability is another critical benefit derived from community involvement. As Luis mentions in the Podcast, integrating technology with human-centered approaches helps prepare members for future shifts in the professional landscape. As Luis points out
“Creativity flourishes when we embrace the intersections of technology and humanity. It's in these spaces where we find the most innovative solutions to complex challenges “.
Community discussions and events are often the breeding ground for these adaptive strategies, keeping everyone at the cutting edge of industry developments. At a fascinating point during the Podcast, Farhan chimes in to share his experiences with the TLDC community. He shares steps that individuals can take to find communities that align to their goals, interests and learning journeys,
“Being vulnerable is crucial to me. Genuine connections form when I invest a piece of myself in building relationships. It's about finding common ground and sharing our stories openly and thoughtfully. That's how meaningful connections are made“.
Creating an Inclusive and Welcoming Environment
A sense of belonging and inclusivity is perhaps one of the most significant yet overlooked aspects of professional communities. In TLDC, for instance, the informal and welcoming atmosphere helps dismantle the formal barriers often found in professional environments. Luis speaks to how this openness encourages active participation and authentic engagement, which are vital for a healthy learning culture:
“Creating a welcoming environment is about more than just making people feel comfortable; it's about fostering a sense of community where everyone feels valued and respected. In TLDC, we strive to cultivate an atmosphere where members can bring their authentic selves to the table without fear of judgment or exclusion. This openness not only encourages active participation but also promotes diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. When individuals feel accepted and supported, they are more likely to share their insights and collaborate effectively with others. Ultimately, it's this sense of belongingness that strengthens our community and drives our collective success.“
As we listened back to the Podcast as a team, we were very inspired by this excerpt from Luis about belonging, as well as many others from the discussion. We are beginning to build our own Learning and Development community and it takes supportive allies and great insights to create a nurturing and inclusive environment. The insights that Luis shared were really valuable for us as an organization, and we hope they are for you as well! As a bit of a teaser, now that we mentioned it, our community will be centered around supporting a range of multi-disciplinary practitioners working on whole-person-development. We will leverage our design principles and CPR Flywheel™ learning model to provide workshops, resources and free platform access to help professionals create highly impactful and engaging learning, training and coaching experiences. Everything we learned from this Podcast was awesome, and we are grateful for our relationship with Luis and TLDC!
Conclusion
Being a part of an L&D community helps professionals shape their identity within the industry. It provides a platform for members to gain recognition for their contributions, define their roles, and advance their careers through networking and visible achievements.
The thought provoking ideas shared on this episode of the "Always Learning" podcast highlight the multifaceted role of communities in enhancing the L&D landscape. These communities are not just support groups; they are vibrant ecosystems that enhance professional growth, spur innovation, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity. As the workplace continues to evolve, the influence of such communities will undoubtedly grow, becoming integral to developing effective, resilient, and adaptive L&D professionals.
If you want to learn more about TLDC visit them here.
If you want to apply to our ALPH community, learn more & apply here.