When the restrictions associated with stay-at-home-orders loosen significantly or entirely, some of us are going to feel like we’re never going to want to hear the words “virtual” again – partly due to the fact that we are leading all aspects of our lives – personal, social, and work “online” these days. But, for the time being, virtual Learning and Development (L & D) is the new, necessary, and only kid in town, and when designed and delivered appropriately, it can be quite effective. Rather than simply ignore or postpone employee needs and desires for professional development during our pandemic, organizations and individuals are turning to a variety of virtual L & D options to ensure their employees feel both valued and confident they have the skills they need to perform well in their current or future roles.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Customized, Virtual Learning
One of the challenges and downfalls of virtual learning is that those responsible for arranging for it related to talent development often neglect to recognize the following very important factor. As we discussed in our previous blog post related to developing bench strength, each and every individual has their own style of learning and ways of responding to various teaching methods. What works for one, may not work for another. That’s why we’re a big believer in L & D action plans and tactics that allow for differences in learning, and therefore, are more customized/personalized. Our experience has shown that, in most instances, employees will learn more, and feel better supported and less intimidated, when they are offered professional development opportunities that are a hybrid of traditional group learning facilitated by a trainer AND self-paced learning.
An example of such a hybrid program which we’re proud to offer is “Everything DiSC Workplace® on Catalyst™” – a program specifically created and introduced to 
meet the demands for reconfigured, results-generating training during our current health pandemic. The aforementioned program’s three-pronged approach to engage participants in building more effective relationships includes:
- The Everything DiSC Assessment – every participant in the above program will have the opportunity to complete this online assessment — one powered and proven by 40+ years of research. You can learn more about it here: https://www.bercumeassociates.com/new-everything-disc-workplace-on-catalyst/
- Catalyst™ Platform Assess – program participants will be able to access this on-demand learning platform, which serves as a “hub” for their learning, at their own convenience, i.e., 24/7, to:
- View the narrative-style results of the assessment described above, allowing them to delve into their style and develop new skills
- Get real-time tips for more effective communications and interactions with colleagues
- Feel supported and navigated as they learn independently or through facilitated learning
- Instructor-Led Learning – experienced facilitators, who are skilled at engaging and educating Everything Disc Workplace® training program participants, will facilitate learning by groups of any size.
Sign Up For the Above Program or Let Us Design a Customized One for You
Want to learn more about the above transformational, virtual learning program or chat with us about creating some other customized, hybrid virtual learning opportunity for you or your team? Reach out today.