Ross Thornley tells us about how to be adaptable as our role within learning whilst also supporting our organisations
In the ever-shifting sands of the corporate world, L&D professionals are finding themselves at a crucial crossroads. Gone are the days when designing training programmes was sufficient.
The future of L&D lies in empowering individuals and organisations to embrace change as an opportunity for continual evolution
Today we’re navigating through a labyrinth of limited budgets and escalating demands where doing more with less isn’t just a request, it’s an imperative. And in this landscape, the introduction of Adaptability Intelligence (AQ) isn’t just timely, it’s essential.
The new frontier in L&D: AI-driven learning
The next phase of the digital revolution spearheaded by artificial intelligence is a phase that is not just reshaping our world, it’s fundamentally redefining the terrain of learning and development. The promise of AI’s capabilities extends far beyond automating routine tasks. In the realm of L&D, it promises hyper-personalised learning journeys, something akin to having a personal co-pilot for each learner. This technology facilitates learning experiences that are not only tailored to individual needs but also embedded within the flow of work – a concept I like to call ‘learning in-line-with-life’.
A key transformation from AI-driven learning evolution is the shift from knowledge retention to situational application. Traditional L&D has focused heavily on the accumulation and retention of information. Now, the emphasis is on applying knowledge in real time, solving problems as they arise and adapting swiftly to new challenges. This shift calls for a significant change in how we approach L&D strategies: it’s no longer about just ‘knowing’, it’s about ‘experimenting’, ‘doing’ and ‘adapting.’
The integration of AI tools into L&D is the start of a transformative journey. Identifying platforms that offer adaptive learning and real-time feedback is key. The aim is to foster a learning environment where employees actively engage with content, apply it in their roles and continuously refine their skills. This approach ensures a perpetual, adaptable learning experience in tune with the evolving demands of the modern business landscape.
The growing importance of AQ in a world of uncertainty
Adaptability Intelligence (AQ) stands out as a crucial factor for success. As an adaptability researcher and trainer, I have witnessed the transformative impact of AQ, especially in an environment where the hype around AI often overshadows its practical applications. AQ data offers a clear pathway to understand how, why and when people adapt, focusing on tangible outcomes, innovation and enhanced performance.
High AQ means thriving in constant change. It involves being flexible, resilient and responsive amidst uncertainty. In an era dominated by AI and digital transformation, the human ability to adapt is what sets successful organisations apart. AQ serves as a critical counterbalance to the fast pace and complexity of technological advancements. While digital tools offer growth and efficiency, they also introduce challenges. Building collective AQ allows professionals and organisations to effectively navigate these challenges, turning disruptions into opportunities for growth.
AQ assessments delve into individual adaptability and environmental factors, encompassing an organisation’s overall capacity to anticipate and respond to change. This is particularly vital in rapidly evolving industries like fintech, healthcare and professional services. By investing in AQ development, leaders and teams are equipped to lead in their fields.
Overcoming traditional constraints: budgets and embedded mindsets
The challenge isn’t just financial constraints; it’s the embedded playbooks and mindsets that often handcuff innovation. AQ offers a lens through which these barriers can be viewed not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and adaptation. It’s about reimagining what’s possible within the confines of existing resources.
Budget limitations often necessitate creativity and resourcefulness, qualities at the heart of adaptability. Traditional, costly methods of training might give way to more collaborative, cross-functional learning experiences, leveraging internal expertise and digital platforms. Similarly, entrenched mindsets can be gradually shifted through consistent AQ-focused interventions, creating a culture that values learning as a continuous, integrated process rather than a discrete, budget-dependent activity.
Practical strategies for incorporating AQ in L&D
To harness the power of AQ, L&D professionals should start by assessing the current level of adaptability within their organisations. Tools like science-backed assessment provide valuable insights across sub-dimensions (from grit, resilience and mental flexibility to work stress, psychological safety and emotional health), bringing actionable data to where a team or organisation stands in terms of adaptability. The next phase involves targeted training programmes, workshops and coaching sessions that foster a mindset of continuous adaptation and create a culture where adaptability is deeply integrated into all business processes.
Engaging with the right qualified practitioners who are trained in the science of adaptability will help you to drive growth and re-skilling initiatives and improve employee mobility and drive. Creating an organisational culture where adaptability is not just valued but ingrained in every aspect of the business process.
Start small, but think big. People often begin by mapping the AQ of the leadership team. Then, identify low-cost, high-impact learning initiatives that align with AQ principles. This could involve peer-to-peer learning sessions, mentorship programmes, coaching or utilising online resources and AI-driven tools. The key is to demonstrate how effective L&D can be achieved within existing budget constraints, thereby gradually shifting the organisational mindset towards a more adaptable, resourceful approach to learning and development.
Humanising change: building resilience and embracing experimentation
Change is inherently human. As leaders and educators, our role is to support and guide others in improving their relationship with uncertainty. Building collective resilience, embracing rapid experimentation and learning through doing are not just strategies. They are a new reality. We must shift our mindset to not only tolerate but celebrate failures as stepping stones to innovation and growth.
Future outlook: rapid learning and adaptation
Looking ahead, the L&D landscape will be shaped by our speed of learning and ability to adapt swiftly. The emerging trends point toward an environment where psychological safety, stress reduction and unlearning are as crucial as traditional learning paradigms. The future of L&D lies in empowering individuals and organisations to embrace change – not as our biological instant reaction as a threat, but as an opportunity for continual evolution.
World-class leaders are incorporating AQ as a pivotal shift in how we approach learning and development in an uncertain world. As we continue to chart this course, let’s remember that at the heart of adaptability lies the human spirit – resilient, ever-learning and endlessly adaptable.
Ross Thornley is CEO of AQai
