Training & Upskilling to Keep Adding Value

Introduction

In a rapidly evolving professional landscape, the necessity of continuous learning and development has never been more pronounced. Jellyfish's latest podcast episode, ‘Training & Upskilling to Keep Adding Value,’ offers an insightful exploration into how companies can foster a culture of growth and retention through strategic training initiatives. Hosted by Shamsul Chowdhury, EVP of Paid Social at Jellyfish, the episode features a compelling conversation with Lavall Chichester, CEO of Growth Skills and a noted figure in Ad Age's 40 under 40.

Content

(0:00) Cultivating a culture of continuous learning

(4:35) Importance of training for employee retention and skill development

(12:10) Motivating employees to learn and L&D team empowerment

(22:01) Strategies for personal and professional growth

Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Learning

In today's ever-evolving business landscape, the significance of perpetual learning cannot be overstated. Lavall underscores the value of self-directed education and practical experience. Drawing from a background rich in martial arts, emphasis is placed on the iterative nature of skill acquisition, moving from practice to proficiency. The encouragement is extended to employees to take charge of their learning trajectory, with an anticipation that future success will hinge upon adaptability and the capacity to acquire new skills. Additionally, the notion of skill compounding is emphasized, alongside a forecast that entrepreneurship and financial literacy will ascend in importance. By nurturing an environment conducive to ongoing learning, organizations can empower their workforce to excel amidst a perpetually shifting market.

Importance of training for employee retention and skill development

Lavall’s journey from marketer to leader underscores the vital role of ongoing education in career growth. Ongoing learning emerged as essential, prompting the creation of pre-recorded modules for comprehensive understanding. The pandemic underscored the urgency for upskilling, with SEO and Content Marketing witnessing heightened demand. Simultaneously, the gig economy burgeoned as individuals sought autonomy and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, the synergy between training, retention, and skill development is pivotal. Employers must provide robust frameworks, while individuals must own their growth trajectory. By nurturing a culture of continuous learning, organizations and employees can navigate market shifts with resilience.

Motivating employees to learn and L&D team empowerment

In today's corporate landscape, the motivations propelling employees beyond the confines of their job descriptions, towards the realm of excellence and innovation, often lie in subtle yet profound catalysts. These catalysts, akin to gentle nudges from the universe, impel individuals towards embracing discomfort, transcending their comfort zones, and embarking on transformative learning journeys. This involves encouraging proactive skill acquisition and growth. Organizations must prioritize three key factors: fostering a culture that values learning, providing necessary resources and infrastructure, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee development. Empowering L&D teams to align their objectives with organizational goals and integrating learning into job descriptions is essential. By embracing these principles, companies create an environment where learning is central to success, driving both individual and organizational growth.

Strategies for personal and professional growth

At Jellyfish, traditional line management and arbitrary promotions are replaced by a business case approach for promotions, emphasizing necessary certifications, such as Facebook and Google certifications, especially for junior roles moving to managerial positions. This framework ensures continuous learning due to the ever-evolving nature of the industry. In 2024, with widespread layoffs from companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, there is a significant focus on learning how to learn and compounding skills, particularly in financial management and running personal or side businesses. This necessity-driven approach to skill acquisition is crucial for adapting to market changes and economic downturns. Hence the need to emphasize the importance of learning business skills to avoid common pitfalls, such as failing to conduct proper trademark searches. Encouraging employees to develop and challenge their skills is key, with a culture of continuous learning being essential for both personal and professional growth.