ICYMI: Top 5 Takeaways from Perspectives 2023

January 2, 2024 | New Workplace Leadership | 5 min read

Skillsoft hosted Perspectives 2023, a virtual event that brought together thought leaders and customers to discuss the changing learning landscape and the evolving needs of employees and employers.

With a focus on redefining work, Perspectives panels and sessions focused on key areas within learning and development, such as leadership, digital transformation, upskilling and reskilling, and so much more.

In case you missed it, here are the top five learning and development takeaways from the event:

1. Roles and Responsibilities will Evolve in the Age of Generative AI

The rapid progress of Generative AI has unlocked a multitude of possibilities, revolutionizing various sectors and promising to drivesignificant economic growth in the future. As AI continues to advance, organizations need to adapt their workforce to effectively leverage the power of these AI technologies.

In the session, Redefining Work in the Age of Generative AI, Skillsoft CEO Jeff Tarr shed light

on how organizations can align their workforce with the changing landscape and ensure that employees have the skills and knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven world.

He highlighted the importance of a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning for individuals who want to succeed in this AI-powered era. By embracing new technologies and learning how to work alongside AI systems, individuals can enhance their own capabilities and job prospects.

Additionally, organizations must invest in learning and development programs that equip their employees with the necessary skills to collaborate with AI tools and maximize their potential.

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2. Businesses Must Focus on Developing Strong Middle Managers

In today's fast-paced business environment, middle managers play a crucial role in driving organizational success. However, the intense pressure to meet business objectives while also addressing the needs of their teams often presents a significant challenge for these key leaders. Recognizing the importance of strong leadership at all levels, organizations are increasingly acknowledging the need for comprehensive leadership development and compliance programs tailored specifically for middle management.

During a customer panel session, Navigating The Messy Middle, attendees had the opportunity to explore the essential components required to cultivate and nurture effective middle management leaders.

The discussion centered around practical strategies for building and enhancing holistic learning programs that equip middle managers with the power skills necessary to inspire and guide their teams.

Through a combination of robust leadership development initiatives and compliance training, companies can foster a culture of excellence and accountability at every level.

3. Reskilling and Upskilling Is Key to Employee Growth

In an environment where technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, it is crucial for individuals and organizations alike to adapt and acquire new skills in order to remain competitive.

Staying relevant and competitive in today's workforce hinges on continuous learning and acquiring new skills. By embracing the concept of continuous learning and skill acquisition, both individuals and organizations can position themselves for success in the digital landscape.

During the more technical panel discussions at Perspectives, such as Reskilling and Upskilling In An Ever-Changing Tech World, and Retaining Tech Talent: How to Transform Skills Within Your IT Organization, our customers and Skillsoft leaders emphasized the importance of overcoming time constraints and prioritizing reskilling and upskilling. Attendees had the opportunity to explore various strategies shared by our panelists, discovering practical approaches to incorporate ongoing learning into their daily lives.

Furthermore, the sessions shed light on effective strategies for nurturing and developing existing talent pools, leading to transformative growth within organizations. Attendees gained valuable insights into strategies for effectively nurturing and developing their teamsPrograms that focus on talent development ensure employees possess the requisite skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-changing tech climate.

By addressing the challenges associated with retaining top tech talent and promoting transformative growth, organizations can create an environment that fosters innovation and drives overall success.

4. Invest in Comprehensive Employee Development for the Most Effective Federal Training Programs

Federal agencies have long grappled with challenges related to talent acquisition, development, and retention. These obstacles primarily stem from a protracted hiring process, reactive workforce planning, and ineffective recruiting practices.

To overcome these barriers, one of the most critical solutions is investing in comprehensive training and employee development programs. However, developing training initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of all federal agencies requires careful coordination and effort.

At Perspectives, Skillsoft’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Compliance Solutions Kevin Kelly had the opportunity to engage with compliance professionals in the public sector who shared insights into their strategic approach to training and employee development.

The discussion focused on driving efficiencies, mitigating risks, and ensuring the safety of employees. By implementing a holistic and forward-thinking training strategy, these professionals are revolutionizing the way federal agencies invest in their workforce.

5. Empower Employees with Power Skills Through Coaching

Coaching has emerged as a powerful tool for professional development, offering employees the opportunity to cultivate essential power skills such as communication, strategic thinking, and empathy.

By embracing coaching as a means of developing leadership competencies, organizations can create a culture of continuous growth and empower their workforce with the skills needed to lead in the modern workforce.

In the panel session, Power of Coaching, Skillsoft customers explored how coaching enables individuals to unlock their full potential, conquer obstacles, and achieve their goals. They provided insights into the management and implementation of leadership development and coaching programs in organizations today for employees at all levels.

Perspectives 2023 aimed to equip organizations with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in the rapidly changing digital landscape. The event provided a platform for industry leaders, including speakers from Unisys, Humana, and BAE Systems, to share their expertise and engage in meaningful discussions. The key takeaways highlighted above offer valuable insights that organizations can leverage to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.

In case you missed Perspectives 2023, you can access it on-demand here.