The Trusted Learning Advisor Book Summary - The Trusted Learning Advisor Book explained in key points
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The Trusted Learning Advisor summary

Keith Keating

The Tools, Techniques and Skills You Need to Make L&d a Business Priority

19 mins

Brief summary

The Trusted Learning Advisor by Keith Keating guides learning professionals in becoming invaluable advisors within their organizations. It offers strategies and insights for building trust, driving impact, and enhancing organizational learning and development.

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    The Trusted Learning Advisor
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    From order taker to trusted advisor

    In the early twentieth century, career development was implemented as top-down training. This was mostly focused on production line efficiency, or in other words, to get employees to work faster.

    Since then, the nature of work and what is expected from employees has changed dramatically. Studies in fields like motivational psychology and education have allowed L&D to evolve both as an academic and practical discipline. For example, we now know that when L&D is given a proactive role in an organization, it becomes a powerful tool to drive real change and business results.

    Yet many companies continue to see employee development as a painful expense. Learning is treated as a response to stall a looming issue and the experts are left out of the conversation until the end. L&D professionals are treated like order takers, rather than trusted learning advisors.

    But what exactly are trusted learning advisors? Simply put, they’re the proactive leaders in L&D. They consider the needs of stakeholders, are willing to challenge assumptions around professional development, and guide their organization toward more effective learning solutions. The role is consultative, strategic, and collaborative, marking a significant evolution from the traditional order-taker mentality.

    This shift isn’t just about changing perceptions; it's about embracing a new professional identity that aligns L&D with the strategic goals of the organization.

    Two key organizational factors are likely to affect how you’re being perceived in your organization: culture and placement. 

    You’re probably familiar with the concept of organizational culture. This is the set of norms, values, and assumptions that people make within your workplace. Ask yourself these questions: How does professional development fit into the culture of your organization? Does your leadership team make learning part of its business strategy, or is there a dismissive air?

    Organizational placement is more about the structure and functions of the organizational system. Ask yourself: Is L&D under the umbrella of HR, or does it have its own business function? Is it treated as a support function that costs the company, or is it treated as a profit center, making money?

    As you think about these questions, consider how these factors could be impacting how your role is viewed, and even how you view yourself.

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    What is The Trusted Learning Advisor about?

    The Trusted Learning Advisor (2023) offers an alternative for learning and development professionals to evolve beyond mere order-takers and become trusted learning advisors. It provides the tools, techniques, and skills needed to transform L&D into a proactive role through trust, stakeholder relationships, and strategic processes. This blueprint for L&D professionals aims to enhance their impact and give them a seat at the table.

    The Trusted Learning Advisor Review

    The Trusted Learning Advisor (2021) equips readers with essential strategies for effective learning and development. Here's why this book stands out:

    • Offers insightful guidance on becoming a trusted advisor, facilitating impactful learning experiences that drive growth.
    • Presents innovative approaches to learning design, fostering engagement and knowledge retention among learners.
    • Illustrates practical techniques to build strong relationships with learners, ensuring a personalized and results-oriented learning journey.

    Who should read The Trusted Learning Advisor?

    • L&D professionals at any stage of their career 
    • Leaders who want to foster a learning culture
    • Anyone who believes professional development is important

    About the Author

    Keith Keating’s career in learning and development is a two-decade masterclass in supporting the lifecycle of global talent. Currently serving as the Chief Learning Officer at Archwell, he’s led global learning initiatives at General Motors and BDO Canada, as well as serving on several learning advisory boards globally. His practical and academic work emphasizes learner-centric approaches and the belief in continuous growth and development to meet personal and organizational goals.

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    The Trusted Learning Advisor FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Trusted Learning Advisor?

    The main message of The Trusted Learning Advisor is empowering individuals as effective learners and advisors.

    How long does it take to read The Trusted Learning Advisor?

    The estimated reading time for The Trusted Learning Advisor is moderate, but the Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of that time.

    Is The Trusted Learning Advisor a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The insightful content of The Trusted Learning Advisor makes it a rewarding read for those interested in enhancing learning strategies.

    Who is the author of The Trusted Learning Advisor?

    The author of The Trusted Learning Advisor is Keith Keating.

    What to read after The Trusted Learning Advisor?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Trusted Learning Advisor, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Modern Learning Ecosystem by JD Dillon
    • The Trusted Advisor Fieldbook by Charles H. Green & Andrea P. Howe
    • The First Minute by Chris Fenning
    • Supercoach by Michael Neill
    • Workplace Learning by Nigel Paine
    • Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox
    • Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
    • Smart, Not Loud by Jessica Chen
    • Born For This by Chris Guillebeau
    • The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch