Training for Tomorrow: Empowering Minds, Nurturing Skills, and Leading Through Change

Date: 21st March 2024

Speaker: Vishal Sharma,Global Head of HR-Manufacturing operations, Supply Chain & Quality , Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Quote: “I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practised one kick 10,000 times.” —Bruce Lee
Vishal Sharma delved into the essence of “Training for Tomorrow,” emphasizing that the future of work hinges on how organizations approach the continuous development of their workforce. Drawing inspiration from the words of Bruce Lee, Sharma highlighted the importance of mastering core skills over time, rather than merely skimming over a multitude of tasks. The talk focused on how organizations can empower their employees through targeted, personalized learning, ensuring that the workforce is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Sharma discussed how learning is an investment that requires organizations to direct their most limited resource—attention—toward strategic development efforts. The effectiveness of training depends on several factors, including cognitive load, memory retention, and how skills are utilized over time. He referenced the Forgetting Curve, a theory developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus, which suggests that learned information fades over time. Sharma emphasized that organizations must ensure their learning initiatives are designed to maximize retention and practical application.

Key Takeaways:

1. Focused Skill Development: Mastering one skill over an extended period leads to increased productivity, higher quality outcomes, and a competitive advantage.
2. Personalized Learning Paths: Aligning individual growth aspirations with organizational goals creates sharper, more targeted development plans.
3. Peer Learning Networks: Encouraging collaboration and mutual support among employees enhances learning and fosters knowledge exchange.
4. Mentorship and Coaching: Personalized coaching and feedback from managers, mentors, or HR professionals ensure continuous development and help individuals stay on track toward professional goals.
5. Cross-Functional Exposure: Exposure to various business functions prepares employees for the future, fostering a well-rounded understanding of organizational dynamics.

Mr. Sharma also highlighted the role of technology in training, particularly with the rise of AI tools for continuous improvement. By leveraging AI to track performance and pinpoint areas for development, organizations can fine-tune training content and ensure employees’ progress is always aligned with both personal and organizational goals.

Strategies for Effective Learning:

• Immersive Technologies: Using Augmented Reality (AR) to create realistic simulations that enhance engagement and knowledge retention.
• Gamified Learning: Introducing interactive and fun learning formats, especially for crucial areas such as safety, data integrity, and influencing skills.
• Bite-Sized Learning: Breaking down complex topics into small, digestible modules allows for self-paced learning and is ideal for mobile learning environments.
• Multimodal Content Delivery: Offering a variety of learning formats, from videos to podcasts to hands-on activities, to engage learners in diverse ways.

Future-Ready Workforce:

Mr. Sharma concluded by outlining the importance of integrating leadership involvement in the training process. Leaders should actively support and reinforce learning initiatives and ensure that training aligns with day-to-day business operations. This continuous feedback loop, coupled with recognition and incentives, helps maintain momentum in the learning process.

By creating a robust learning ecosystem with elements like feedback mechanisms, peer learning, and cross-functional exposure, Sharma stressed the importance of staying ahead of industry trends. Organizations that embrace these methods will foster an adaptive and future-ready workforce.