_"By bringing together people who share interests, no matter their location or time zone, social media has the potential to transform the workplace into an environment where learning is as natural as it is powerful." --_Tony Bingham and Marcia Conner, The New Social Learning

For several years now, social media tools have been shaping the way communication flows in the world. Many articles in T+D have introduced you to the different tools that are shaping the way knowledge is shared and the extraordinary ways these tools help recruitment, retention, and engagement. As I have written more than once, these tools are not a fad, and if you havent done it already, you need to redefine the role that social media will play in your learning initiatives.

This months cover story, "The Blueprint for Social Learning," delves into the role that social media can play in organizational success. It is critical that the right tools are available for different types of social exchange. As Aaron Silvers writes, "\[An\] organization would continuously improve as people inside the company learn from one another, and some direct information pushes from the organization could attract the attention of employees."

A social learning strategy is about continuously improving an organizations capability to respond to turbulent market forces and perform better. It is not about adding a few social media tools to the workplace; it is about changing a workplace culture to include modes of communication and knowledge exchange, community building, social networking, and collaboration.

It's a brand new year, and every year people make resolutions to better their personal and professional lives. What is your resolution for your learning department? Have you created an action plan, or strategy, for using social media to create continuous learning in your workplace?

As a learning professional, you must gain a clear understanding of how to leverage these tools to drive business goals. Do'nt get left behind. Become a champion for social learning.

Paula Ketter

Editor, T+D

[email protected]