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Leadership over Management

If you’re planning to attend ATD23, either virtually or in person, and wondering how to make the most out of the conference to help you on your path to get certified or recertified, this webinar is for you.
ATD23 in San Diego is shaping up to be one of the best talent development professional development offerings yet, but for newbies and even seasoned pros, it can be overwhelming! This webinar will help you navigate the conference from a certification-specific point of view to make the most of your time. Whether you’re earning the professional development needed for initial certification eligibility or recertification requirements for the APTD® or CPTD®, you’ll learn insider tips and tricks to make the conference work for you.
After this webinar, you will understand how to:

Optimize your participation at the conference to focus on certification or recertification requirements.
Find like-minded professionals at the conference, whether you want to talk to an APTD or CPTD certified professional or someone who can relate to the challenges you’re facing in your role at work.
Navigate the conference app and programming guides to know where to go for answers on-site in San Diego.
Hear about practical ways you can create learning plans on-site at ATD23 that will carry through after the conference. 


Getting the Most Out of ATD23 for Your Certification

Your TD community is dedicated to helping you work smarter not harder. Here are some recent resources ATD members are using to stay on the cutting edge.

Top Member Resources

Your All-In-One Guide to ISDKnown as “the man who wrote the book on ISD,” Chuck Hodell offers a comprehensive and practical handbook on core instructional systems design (ISD) practices and principles with a practitioner’s eye. This updated fifth edition covers all the basics and many advanced tenets of ISD, walking you through each phase, including advanced concepts such as microlearning, social media, and leveraging technology. Stand-alone chapters offer crucial support to practitioners building foundational skills, while in-depth tutorials on subjects such as collaborating with experts offer rich insights to guide the credentialed designer. This fully revised and expanded volume offers new case studies, discussion questions, and sample design and lesson plans, ISD From the Ground Up demystifies the learning design process. Whether you are just getting your feet wet or have extensive experience in ISD, this industry staple provides the essential building blocks and more for ISD mastery.

ISD From the Ground Up, 5th Edition

In the business world, the impact of exceptional leadership is undeniable. Great leaders inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and drive organizations toward success. But what separates good leaders from truly great ones? The answer lies in a commitment to continuous learning.Great leadership is not static. It’s an evolving process that thrives on curiosity, adaptability, and growth. By embracing lifelong learning, leaders sharpen their skills, inspire their teams, and set a powerful example for the organization. Let’s explore how continuous learning shapes remarkable leaders and creates an environment where leadership can thrive.The Core Traits of a Great LeaderLeadership begins with the right mindset. While different industries may emphasize unique skills, certain traits universally define great leaders and are often enhanced by continuous learning:Vision: Leaders with a clear, compelling vision motivate teams to work toward a shared goal. They provide a roadmap that aligns organizational efforts, and continuous learning allows leaders to refine this vision as industries and markets evolve.Empathy: Understanding and addressing the needs of team members fosters trust and strengthens relationships. Learning fosters empathy by exposing leaders to diverse perspectives and experiences.Decisiveness: The ability to make informed, timely decisions often comes from staying well-informed through ongoing education.Integrity: Ethical behavior and trustworthiness are the cornerstones of great leadership. Continuous learning in ethics and accountability ensures leaders maintain high standards.Adaptability: In a world of constant change, the willingness to learn and pivot is essential.When leaders exemplify these traits, they inspire confidence and loyalty among their teams, setting the stage for sustained success.How Does Continuous Learning Empower Leadership?Great leaders never stop learning. They understand that staying informed and adaptable is vital in an ever-evolving business landscape. Organizations can promote continuous learning by:Providing access to leadership training and development programsEncouraging upskilling to foster further growth in employees’ careersPersonalizing training programs to meet the specific needs of each employeeThis might sound like a lot to keep track of, but with tools like AI-driven skills development, L&D, HR, sales, IT, support, product teams—any team—can easily manage their entire organization’s learning program on just one platform.Other Strategies for Driving Innovation in Your TeamEncourage leaders to take risks.Risk-taking is often a hallmark of groundbreaking leadership, but in many organizations, the fear of failure can limit a team’s success. It’s important to urge leaders to use calculated risk-taking and experimentation when innovating new solutions. If leaders feel comfortable exploring new ideas without fearing failure, they allow their creativity to shine. Innovative leaders drive industries forward by learning from their mistakes and envisioning possibilities others might overlook. Businesses that encourage this mindset often stay ahead of the curve.Inspire collaboration among leadership teams.Even the most talented leaders cannot achieve greatness alone. Open communication and shared goals are key. By encouraging each executive to bring their unique perspective to the table, leaders can learn from each other’s diverse strengths and viewpoints to enhance decision making. A collaborative leadership team amplifies the strengths of individual leaders, creating a cohesive unit that can tackle almost any challenge effectively.Promote diversity in leadership.Equally important is fostering diversity within leadership teams. A variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives offer limitless learning possibilities that lead to a broader understanding of different customer needs. Diverse leadership teams are fundamental to innovation, particularly in the tech sector, which has historically been hampered by cultural blind spots. If you want a solution to work around the world for all sorts of people, you need all sorts of diverse people to be its co-architects.Leadership That Inspires SuccessGreat leadership begins with an open mind and an unrelenting desire to grow. By embracing continuous learning, leaders not only refine their skills but also inspire their teams to follow suit. Organizations that foster a culture of curiosity and growth unlock the potential of their leaders—driving innovation, resilience, and success.In the end, the best leaders are lifelong learners. They inspire by example, adapt to change, and cultivate environments where learning is celebrated. By investing in continuous learning, companies lay the foundation for leadership that empowers and endures.

Continuous Learning Creates Unstoppable Leaders

As 2024 unfolds, the HR and L&D landscape has transformed significantly, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Earlier in the year, CYPHER Learning made key predictions for 2024 about AI’s role in shaping the future of work and learning. Now, many of those predictions have become a reality. The AI trends that have emerged are not just speculative but practical shifts in how we work and learn.Here are eight AI predictions for 2024 that have stood the test of time and are shaping the HR and L&D market today.1. Proactive AIOne major prediction was that AI would become more proactive, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing. AI now anticipates user needs rather than waiting for input. Tools like Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini have taken proactive AI mainstream, streamlining workflows across industries by predicting actions and suggesting content.In HR, this has translated into AI tools that automatically recommend training courses based on employee roles and skills gaps, making it easier for L&D teams to stay ahead of workforce needs and ensuring more tailored learning experiences.2. Refined vs. Raw AI2024 saw a shift from experimental AI models to more polished and reliable tools. The refinement of AI systems, driven by improved oversight and cross-checking mechanisms, ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of errors or biases. OpenAI and Google, for example, have refined their models to deliver more dependable results.In L&D, this refinement is critical. AI Crosscheck from CYPHER plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content, particularly for training programs, making sure employees receive high-quality, validated learning experiences.3. Remote Training for ManagersThe prediction that AI would help managers lead distributed teams has also proven true. With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, AI tools are being used to support managers in training and managing teams from a distance.Platforms like Zoom and Salesforce now integrate AI to enhance communication, track employee progress, and provide real-time feedback, ensuring that remote teams stay productive and engaged. This has helped bridge the gap between remote workers and in-office teams, offering personalized training and support.4. Workforce VersatilityAI has become a key driver in creating a versatile workforce. Platforms like Udemy and CYPHER Learning use AI to help employees build both hard and soft skills, offering personalized learning paths based on individual goals and performance.This shift is essential in today’s rapidly evolving work environment. AI-driven tools ensure that employees remain adaptable and versatile, ready to meet the challenges of a changing job market.5. Upskilling and ReskillingAs industries rapidly change, the need for upskilling and reskilling has become more urgent. AI has played a crucial role in helping organizations address these challenges by identifying skills gaps and recommending tailored training solutions. For example, the CYPHER Learning platform automates the mapping of course content to skills and assessments, enabling employees to quickly develop and master the competencies required to keep pace with technological advancements.This automation makes L&D efforts more scalable and efficient, allowing companies to better align employee development with their business objectives.6. Improving Daily LifeAI is now embedded in both personal and professional settings, streamlining tasks and improving daily workflows. From virtual assistants like Alexa to AI-powered learning platforms, technology is making everyday processes more manageable.In the HR and L&D space, AI is being used to personalize learning experiences, ensuring that employees receive content that is relevant to their needs. AI-driven tools are making it easier for workers to acquire new skills, contributing to more dynamic and adaptable learning environments.7. Job Market ShiftsAI is transforming the job market, just as predicted. New roles focusing on AI management, data analysis, and oversight have emerged, while traditional roles are being redefined to include AI-based skills. This shift is being felt globally; for example, a survey reveals that 78 percent of workers believe AI will affect their roles within the next two years.In HR, AI tools are being used to assess workforce readiness and match candidates to roles more precisely. Meanwhile, L&D teams are leveraging AI to guide employees toward the skills they need to stay competitive in an ever-changing job market.8. Addressing AI BiasThe increased focus on addressing AI bias in 2024 has proven essential. Companies like Google and Microsoft are investing in reducing bias in AI systems, ensuring that AI models are more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives.In the L&D space, AI-generated content and recommendations must be equitable to ensure that all employees, regardless of background, have access to learning opportunities. This focus on fairness is critical as AI continues to evolve, ensuring that AI systems benefit everyone and promote inclusive growth across organizations.2024 and BeyondWhether it’s refining AI tools, supporting remote work, or addressing bias, the industry has moved in the direction that was forecasted. At CYPHER Learning, we’re proud to have contributed to these advancements, particularly with innovations like AI Crosscheck and AI-enabled skills development, which are helping organizations create smarter, more efficient learning environments.Stay tuned for our 2025 predictions—they’ll provide insight into the next phase of AI’s impact on HR and L&D, helping you stay ahead of the curve.

8 AI Predictions for 2024 That Stood the Test of Time

Lifelong learning is an ongoing journey that evolves with us, shaping our growth, adaptability, and potential at every stage of life. Whether you’re just beginning your career, navigating mid-life challenges, or enjoying the rewards of retirement, each decade offers unique opportunities to expand your horizons. Understanding how to approach learning in every phase can make this journey more structured, fulfilling, and rewarding.Below is a decade-by-decade guide filled with actionable tips to help you chart your lifelong learning path:In Your 20s: Laying the FoundationYour 20s are a time of discovery, where the choices you make can set the trajectory for your future. It’s a decade filled with opportunities to explore different paths and establish a strong base for personal and professional growth. Focus on:Explore Various Interests: Try out different fields to discover what excites you. Attend workshops, join industry groups, and take online courses in diverse subjects.Develop Core Skills: Sharpen essential skills like communication and project management through platforms like Coursera or Udemy.Expand Your Network: Networking is crucial. Attend events, join professional organizations, and seek out mentors for guidance.In Your 30s: Advancing and SpecializingDeeper career commitments and the pursuit of specialization often define the 30s. This is the time to solidify your expertise, climb the career ladder, and refine your focus on what truly matters to you. Maximize this decade by:Pursuing Certifications: Enhance your qualifications with advanced certifications in your field.Developing Leadership: Build leadership and management skills with targeted courses in team management and strategic planning.Balancing Work and Learning: Integrate learning into your routine. Set aside weekly time for professional development and apply new skills at work.In Your 40s: Expanding Horizons By your 40s, you’re likely well-established in your career, but that doesn’t mean growth should slow down. This decade is an ideal time to broaden your knowledge, explore new passions, and continue evolving both personally and professionally:Learn New Technologies: Stay ahead by enrolling in tech workshops or online classes that keep you competitive.Start a Personal Project: Launch a side business or personal project that aligns with your passions and enhances your skills.Mentor Others: Share your expertise by mentoring. It reinforces your learning and positively impacts the next generation.In Your 50s: Reinventing and ReflectingYour 50s offer a unique blend of reflection and reinvention. It’s a period where you can take stock of your achievements and consider new directions, whether in your career or personal life. Embrace this time by:Exploring New Interests: Dive into fields or hobbies you’ve always been curious about. Take courses that spark new passions.Prioritizing Health: Incorporate wellness education into your life through seminars on nutrition, fitness, and mental health.Planning for Retirement Learning: Prepare for continued learning in retirement by exploring volunteer opportunities, part-time work, or educational programs.In Your 60s and Beyond: Lifelong EngagementAs you enter your 60s and beyond, the focus shifts toward sustaining engagement and continuing personal enrichment. This is a time to fully embrace the pursuits that bring you joy and keep your mind active. Stay engaged by:Pursue Passions: Dedicate time to hobbies, art, writing, or volunteering—whatever brings you joy.Keep Mentally Active: Challenge your mind with puzzles, reading, or learning new languages to maintain mental sharpness.Stay Connected: Join clubs or communities that share your interests. Social connections and shared learning experiences enrich life.Tips for All DecadesSet Learning Goals: Specific, achievable goals keep you motivated across all stages.Leverage Technology: Access learning anytime, anywhere with online resources and apps.Stay Curious: Maintain a mindset of curiosity and openness to new experiences, keeping your lifelong learning journey vibrant and ongoing.Mapping your lifelong learning journey means recognizing each decade’s unique opportunities and challenges. You can make the most of every stage of life with clear goals, a willingness to embrace new technologies, and an engaged approach. Remember, learning is a continuous, evolving process—approach it with enthusiasm and an open mind.

Mapping the Lifelong Learning Journey: Tips for Each Decade of Life

In today’s rapidly changing world, the way we learn has evolved significantly. Today’s learners expect their learning experiences to be integrated into their daily work, personalized, and supported by technology. Here are the key expectations and trends shaping the future of learning: People-Centric LearningModern learning focuses on individual needs, combining personalized digital and in-person formats embedded in daily workflows. While managers and HR support development, learners take primary responsibility for their growth.Learning in the Flow of WorkWith 65 percent of workers noting changes in job-required skills, learning must be seamlessly integrated into the workflow. Microlearning opportunities replace traditional course catalogs, ensuring continuous, accessible, and directly applicable learning.Technology-Driven LearningLearners expect user-friendly, intuitive, and engaging digital tools with gamification and social learning elements. Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) offer personalized learning journeys, making learning a social, on-the-job event with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven recommendations.Data-Driven Insights for Personalized TrainingData collection and analysis are crucial for understanding learners' needs and tracking progress. Identifying skills gaps and providing personalized training suggestions align learning activities with career goals and organizational needs.Cultivating a Learning CultureA company culture characterized by openness, trust, and flexibility is vital. Recognizing informal learning and encouraging experimentation can enhance innovation and individual growth. Management support and targeted interventions are crucial. These evolving expectations highlight the need for organizations to adapt their L&D strategies. By focusing on personalized, integrated, and technology-supported learning experiences, organizations can ensure continuous growth and maintain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business environment.What Do Organizations Need Regarding L&D?Organizations must adapt to the new normal to stay competitive for top talent, as 66 percent of respondents in Deloitte’s survey struggle with constantly changing skill requirements. Here are the key points organizations need to consider for effective learning and development (L&D):Strategic L&D OrientationOrganizations need a strong, long-term L&D orientation to handle short-term pressures and adapt quickly to new ways of working. Long-term investment in L&D now can better position businesses for future recovery and growth.Effective L&D Delivery ModelOrganizations must reconstruct L&D to foster adaptability, emphasizing digital and analytical skills among L&D teams. This includes virtual facilitation and online content curation.Learning Technology InfrastructureUse a learning technology ecosystem approach rather than an LMS-centric one to provide continuous, personalized learning experiences. This includes enabling informal learning, automating reporting, and improving content quality.Culture of Continuous LearningEstablish a culture that emphasizes continuous and lifelong learning, engaging employees in building an agile, customer-centric, and innovative culture. By addressing these areas, organizations can ensure their L&D strategies are aligned with modern demands, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.Editor's note: This blog post has been adapted from Short on Skills? Rethink Your Learning Approach, authored by Christoph Hieber, Anna Hundstorfer, Belinda Spoerk, and Greta Liesenklas.

Rethinking Learning and Development for Both Learners and Organizations

Effective leadership is the secret sauce that shapes organizational culture and drives talent development, attraction, and retention. The right leaders not only create a thriving workplace but also empower employees to reach their full potential. Let’s explore how leadership affects these critical areas and why investing in leadership development is essential for any organization focused on the future of work.Leadership and Talent DevelopmentShaping Organizational CultureEffective leaders set the tone for organizational culture. Their actions, values, and communication styles influence every aspect of the workplace. When leaders prioritize continuous learning and provide regular feedback, they create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to grow. This culture of development is crucial for nurturing top talent and ensuring that employees are equipped with the skills needed for future challenges.Vision and Communication SkillsA compelling vision and clear communication are hallmarks of great leadership. Leaders who articulate a clear direction inspire employees and attract individuals who are aligned with the organization’s goals. This alignment is key to recruiting top talent and fostering a sense of purpose among employees. When team members understand the bigger picture, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.Leadership and Talent AttractionThe Role of Inclusive LeadershipInclusive leadership is a game-changer in attracting diverse talent. Inclusive leaders actively seek to include the contributions and perspectives of all team members and create an inclusive workplace. An inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging, making it an attractive option for individuals from various backgrounds. When employees feel respected and valued, they are more likely to recommend the organization to others, creating a positive cycle of talent attraction.Building a Strong Employer BrandLeaders play a critical role in building and maintaining a strong employer brand. A positive brand reputation attracts top talent and positions the organization as an employer of choice. Leaders who actively engage in social responsibility initiatives, promote diversity, and invest in employee well-being enhance the company’s image and appeal to potential candidates.Leadership and Talent RetentionContinuous Learning and Feedback MechanismsLeaders who prioritize continuous learning and offer regular feedback create a culture of growth and development. Employees who feel that their professional development is supported are more likely to stay with the organization. Providing opportunities for skill enhancement and career progression is key to retaining top talent.Workplace Inclusion An inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty among employees. When individuals feel valued and respected by their leaders, they are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. A commitment to inclusive leadership and practices not only enhances employee satisfaction but also contributes to higher engagement and retention rates, reducing the costs associated with hiring and training new staff.Direct Correlation With Organizational SuccessEffective leadership has a direct impact on employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success. Leaders who inspire and engage their teams create a positive work environment where employees are motivated to perform at their best. This, in turn, drives productivity and contributes to the achievement of organizational goals.Leaders are the linchpin that holds together the pillars of talent development, attraction, and retention in organizations. By shaping organizational culture, fostering inclusion, and prioritizing continuous learning, leaders create an environment where employees can thrive. The benefits of strong leadership extend beyond immediate gains in employee engagement and retention, driving long-term organizational success.Key Questions for Organizations Because leaders play such a critical role in talent development, organizations need to ensure they are properly supporting the development of effective leaders. It’s important that they ask key questions such as these:Vision and Values: Have we clearly defined and communicated our organizational vision and values? Mentorship and Recognition: Do we have mentorship and recognition programs in place to support and motivate our employees? Learning and Development: Are we investing in learning and development initiatives that empower employees to grow? Talent Strategies: Are our talent strategies aligned with the company’s long-term goals and values? Leadership Training: Are we continuously improving leadership skills through training and development programs? Employee Feedback: Do we solicit feedback from employees on their experiences and perceptions of our leadership? By focusing on leadership and its impact on talent, this blog aims to provide HR professionals, talent managers, and business leaders with actionable insights to enhance their talent strategies. The emphasis on inclusive practices and continuous learning underscores the importance of creating a supportive and dynamic work environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.

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