CLOs encounter innumerable challenges in leading their organizational learning and development (L&D) efforts effectively. Here are several success sutras CLOs can follow to help overcome their leadership challenges—and help their organizations perform competitively.     

Emphasize Organizational Culture. Culture connects employees. It helps create the emotional bonding that can support and improve an organization’s bottom line. More importantly, strategy and culture work hand-in-hand to move organizations forward: strategy is the guiding path while culture is the driving force. Balancing and blending these two factors will enhance a CLO’s effectiveness. 

Encourage Innovation. Without question, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs comes to mind when anyone talks about innovation. He kept Apple healthy and strong by keeping competitors at a bay through his innovative and inspiring leadership. Similarly, L&D often needs to take the path less traveled and became a trailblazer in their organizations. Although you may feel like a small fish in a big pond, ultimately, you will need to play a major role in creating a large pool of innovation and excellence. 

Equip Yourself with Technical and Business Acumen. CLOs must possess both technical and business acumen. You will likely work with multiple lines of business (sales, finance, IT, and so forth) to develop L&D initiatives that help them meet their performance goals. Consequently, it’s important to understand general business needs to manage these efforts. In addition, at some point, you will partner with IT as tech-supported learning options grow in prevalence. You need to be able to work effectively and efficiently with these partners to succeed with large technical roll-outs.   

Demonstrate Flexible Fortitude. CLOs must know when to hold and when to fold. In other words, it’s important to know when L&D initiatives aren’t working, so you can move on to new ideas. However, it is tough to judge, and requires extraordinary courage and intuition to let go and move on. Indeed, it is a dilemma whether to follow your head or heart while making decisions. 

Avoid Clinging to Status Quo. It is essential to celebrate accomplishments, but never get complacent about them. CLOs can’t always rely on models and systems that worked in the past because technology and the competitive environment are always changing.  Also, be prepared mentally to deal with dissatisfaction from stakeholders—learning participants and their managers—and equip yourself to carve new learning paths in your organizational culture. 

Be Bold During Turbulent Times. The present global business environment demands both soft and hard leaders. When times are prosperous, anyone can be at the helm of affairs. But when sailing rough waters, your true leadership qualities will need to take the wheel. Because as all CLOs know, during tough economic times, training is often the first initiative to go. You will need to be both intrepid and steadfast to keep L&D efforts moving forward. 

Invest in the Future. Be a champion of leadership development programs, and work diligently to get the highest leaders in your organization to support—and participate—in these efforts. For instance, Jack Welch, the former CEO of GE was quick to share his experiences during GE’s leadership development training programs. 

As a CLO, you must listen to your inner voice and do what is most beneficial in the long-term of your organization’s L&D efforts.  More importantly, you must ensure that your passion, energy, and vision are constantly aligned with your organization to overcome the leadership challenges successfully.