How to build a learning culture - Nigel Paine at LTSF 2018

Creating a learning culture, such a hot topic in past decades, might be making a return as organisations struggle to get to grips with unprecedented change across business, commerce and almost every aspect of life feels Nigel Paine, interviewed at this year's Learning Technologies Summer Forum.

We asked Nigel what can be done to encourage a learning culture. Nigel starts by pointing out that it actually has little to do with learning. “Increasing the velocity and quantity of learning, just increases the velocity and quantity of learning and doesn't build a learning culture,” explains Nigel Paine.

Nigel points out that an organisation needs four fundamental pillars in place to encourage a learning culture: an environment of trust where people can express themselves without fear; collaboration and an environment of sharing; places where collaboration and sharing can occur - both physical and virtual - and a move away from individuals being isolated; a strong purpose with employees believing that they are making a vital contribution towards what the organisation is trying to do.

“When you've got those four things in place, learning emerges,” says Nigel Paine. “In learning culture, learning is work and work is learning. The two things are not separte. An L&D department that see their role as separate are not going to make it. L&D has to be totally integrated.”

Nigel concludes by explaining that learning culture links with engagement in the workplace, and encourages employers to focus on making staff feel good, that work is a joy and that they count.”

The Learning Technologies Summer Forum took place on 12 June in London. Donald Clark was one of many experts interviewed by Learning News at the event. Learning professionals can keep informed of the latest news and interviews by following Learning News on Twitter @LNwire and by registering for Learning News email updates.