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    Study Group: The Power of L&D Communities

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    Study Group: The Power of L&D Communities.

    Being part of a community of like-minded professionals not only gives us better tools to support others but also helps us grow personally and professionally.

    Michal Kassif
    October 15, 2024
    4 min read
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    We probably don’t have to tell you that professional communities are essential in every industry. If you’re focused on L&D in your daily work, forming and nurturing such communities comes with the territory. These spaces allow individuals to network, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects that push the field forward. 

     

    But in the world of Learning and Development (L&D) and Enablement, the need for community is even more profound. Here are a few key reasons why you should seek a professional community if you’re an L&D or Enablement pro, and a special invitation to take the first step if you have yet to find the right professional space for you.  

     

    Practicing What We Preach: Devoting Time for People & Learning

     

    L&D and Enablement professionals are all about understanding and developing people. Our roles revolve around fostering growth, enhancing skills, and unlocking potential in others. But what about our own growth? Being part of a community of like-minded professionals not only gives us better tools to support others but also helps us grow personally and professionally.

     

    When participating in one of our recent community events, Mar Arslanian, Director of Global Digital Education and Consumer Experience at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, perfectly described it: “As a Learning and Development professional, I think we put a lot of our time and our energy into other people’s growth. I think what’s so great about this opportunity is that we get to fill our cup.”

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    Continuous learning is also at the heart of L&D. A community reminds us of this goal by providing a platform for members to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and grow together. Hearing from other experts in the field is a great way to learn.

     

    Engaging with peers allows us to gain fresh perspectives, learn new strategies, and stay inspired. We both give and receive, enriching our practice and fueling our passion.

     

    Combating Professional Isolation

     

    L&D roles are unique and relatively new. As such, they can sometimes feel isolated. Many L&D professionals work within small teams or even as solo leaders within larger organizations, making it challenging to find peers who genuinely understand our day-to-day experiences.

    An external community provides the peer support that can be lacking in our daily professional lives. It creates a space where we can openly share challenges, celebrate successes, and find encouragement from those who “get it.”

     

    Eric Grant, Learning & Content at Figma, shares this sentiment:

    “We rarely get Learning and Development people together to share our successes, our frustration, and all the things that we have in common.”

    By getting to know others in our field, we also create new opportunities for ourselves. With networking contributing to 85% of new jobs, this value cannot be underestimated. 

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    Navigating a Fast-Paced Evolution

    New roles aren’t just isolating; they are also rapidly changing and constantly evolving. Today’s definition of L&D and Enablement roles may be irrelevant tomorrow, demanding continuous learning and adaptation as new technologies, methodologies, and challenges emerge all the time. 

    For example, according to the LinkedIn Learning Workplace Learning Report 2023

    77% of L&D pros say their role became more cross-functional in the past year. This shift means that L&D roles are expanding beyond traditional boundaries, requiring us to collaborate with different departments and adopt new skills.

     

    By sharing experiences and insights within a community, professionals can collectively shape the future of the field and keep up with the latest news more efficiently. Being part of a community helps us stay ahead and allows us to learn from each other’s experiences, adapt to new trends, and address the challenges that come with an evolving role. This is a key advantage for both professionals and the organizations they serve. 

     

    Filtering Through the Noise

    If the idea of receiving more content resources makes you want to head for the hills – we get it. In today’s information-rich world, the abundance of resources can be overwhelming. Communities play a crucial role in filtering through the noise, offering access to high-quality, relevant resources tailored to the needs of L&D and Enablement professionals. An article that actually helped your peer achieve better results is worth your time and attention. 

     

    By relying on recommendations and curated content from trusted peers, we save time and focus on materials that truly make a difference in our work. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and leveraging the group’s collective wisdom.

    Join Our Thriving L&D Community

    Ready to put these insights into action? Join the Juno Journey L&D Community today!

    Here’s what you’ll gain:

    • Regular events with industry leaders
    • A supportive network of L&D professionals
    • Access to cutting-edge resources and tools
    • Opportunities for collaboration and growth

    Don’t miss out on the chance to shape the future of L&D together.

    Reserve your spot at our next event here

    We can’t wait to welcome you!

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