How can I make learning part of the overall company strategy? How do I convince key stakeholders of the value of L&D? How can I develop a proactive approach to L&D rather than reactive?
L&D professionals can achieve all these things and more by becoming a trusted learning advisor. Written by an author with over 20 years' experience in the industry, this book explains what skills are needed by L&D professionals to become strategic partners to the business. Full of practical tips, tools and advice, The Trusted Learning Advisor covers everything from identifying the maturity level of an organization and connecting learning to the business strategy through to measuring the value of learning and communicating this impact to the organization. There is also extensive discussion of the key skills needed to be a trusted learning advisor and practical advice on how to develop them. These skills include evidence-based research, evaluation of learning, facilitation, virtual learning, digital and technology skills as well as data-driven analysis and decision making.
This essential guide also includes additional support on critical thinking, communication and influencing skills as well as advice on how to master a growth mindset. Full of examples, tips and global case studies from companies including HSBC, General Motors, Walgreens and Hearst Magazines, this is crucial reading for all L&D practitioners looking to develop their role as a strategic business partner and add true value to the organization.
Industry Reviews
"Embark on a journey of transformation with The Trusted Learning Advisor. This book is a treasure trove of strategies, tools and insights to transition from a traditional L&D role to a trusted business partner. Let it guide you and your colleagues towards becoming change agents for learning, development and business performance!" * Elliott Masie, Chair, The MASIE Learning Foundation *
"Dr. Keating's groundbreaking work serves as a transformative compass for L&D professionals and academics alike, offering not only an update on the latest in learning science but also illuminating the path towards fostering trust and building impactful relationships." * Dr. Raghu Krishnamoorthy, Director, University of Pennsylvania's Chief Learning Officer Executive Doctoral Program *
"The story of talent development is being actively rewritten. HR and learning professionals need to rapidly rethink how they prepare the workforce and workplace to address the evolving complexity of work. To develop and grow a future-ready workforce, L&D must bring a strong perspective, a flexible and strategic approach and an end-to-end mindset to developing talent. In this book, Dr. Keating presents an actionable approach to help reverse the malaise that many L&D organizations now find themselves in. He offers an approach that recognizes how we must become more connected to the business, more consistent in our solutions and more credible as trusted advisors that enable the outcomes both the business and the workforce need in today's work environments." * Brandon Carson, Global Head of Learning, Starbucks *
"Steeped in practical wisdom, The Trusted Learning Advisor is a game-changer for every L&D professional. It urges you to redefine your role, align your strategies with the business objectives and prove the value of learning interventions. Let this book be your guide in your journey from being a simple order-taker to an indispensable strategic partner." * Matthew Daniel, Senior Principal of Talent Strategist, Guild Education *
"WARNING: This book contains learning and development GOLD. This notion of being an order taker is a constant battle in the L&D world. Many of us struggle with this daily. Dr. Keating has so eloquently articulated practical insights and strategies that will allow any learning professional to navigate the important role of the 'Trusted Learning Advisor'. It is so important that those struggles don't become battles, but rather opportunities to build strong relationships with strategic partners. Once the key is turned, prepare to unlock excellence and the full potential of your learning programs!" * Stephanie Curry, Manager, Cadillac Academy *
"The ability to learn, unlearn and relearn has never been more critical for organizations in these challenging times. Dr. Keating's The Trusted Learning Advisor provides readers with practical wisdom, invaluable tools and transformative strategies that equip L&D professionals with all the tools they need to lead their companies to become places where learning is a strategic advantage." * Paul Estes, VP, Magic Leap *
"For years, the HR function has been striving to transition to the role of trusted business advisors. All too often the Learning & Development function has forgotten that it is either directly part of the HR function or at least tangentially connected with the explicit goal of unleashing the capability of both individual employees and the collective organization. In his book, The Trusted Learning Advisor, Dr. Keith Keating aptly zeros in on this oft made mistake of L&D leaders and highlights proven practices that can help the most junior to the most senior L&D leaders become trusted advisors to the business. His book is a must read for any L&D leader looking to bring true purpose to their role and impact to their organization." * Clint Kofford, Chief Talent Officer, Covetrus *
"There is a great change that needs to be made in the learning and development industry and leaders like Keith Keating, who have the authority, experience and clearly well researched practices to back it up, are going to be the ones to help strengthen the wave of momentum.
The Trusted Learning Advisor provides a truth and sincerity that needs to be heard, while giving you tangible and practical strategies to evolve and be better integrated into the learning worlds of your organizations.
Read it." * Lauren Waldman, Founder and Learning Scientist, Learning Pirate Inc. *
"Embrace the future of learning and development with The Trusted Learning Advisor. This captivating book offers L&D professionals a wealth of practical advice, tools, and strategies to elevate their role from order-taker to trusted strategic partner. By aligning learning strategies with business objectives and influencing key stakeholders, you'll become a driving force behind your organization's growth and transformation. Prepare to embark on a journey of personal and professional transformation with this invaluable guide." * Alison Redpath, Learning Leader, HSBC *
"An L&D champion and a Trusted Learning Advisor himself, Dr Keith Keating now shares over 20 years of invaluable, hard-earned experience on navigating the challenging, day-to-day delivery of corporate L&D and performance improvement successfully. Leaving no stone unturned, he covers everything from managing stakeholder expectations right through to personal, continuous development and branding. A motivational and experienced mentor, Keith's optimism and positivity throughout is infectious. I highly recommend The Trusted Learning Advisor to anyone, from those only starting out in L&D, to those looking to reflect upon and improve their current practice." * Dr. Markus Bernhardt, Consultant, ChangeUp Operations *
"The role of the L&D professional must transform to meet stakeholder and shareholder demands. The Trusted Learning Advisor outlines this transformative pathway to ensure that the role L&D plays is no longer a transaction, but rather strategic partners with credibility and reliability. This is a must read for any L&D professional!" * Dr. Chris Bittinger, President, Open Pivot *
"The Trusted Learning Advisor effectively captures an approach that will allow learning practitioners to ensure they deliver real organizational value. Developing the skills to become an internal consultant that can genuinely move the needle is priceless and timeless." * Adam Stedham, CEO, GP Strategies *
