Stepping into a leadership role in Learning and Development (L&D) requires a unique combination of strategic thinking, communication skills, and a deep understanding of how people learn. To help professionals navigate this transition, TrainingPros asked several learning leaders on the podcast Learning Leader Spotlight to recommend key books that provide invaluable insights for those aiming to move into leadership positions within the field. Here are the books recommended in spring of 2024, categorized by the competencies that the interviewed leaders believe L&D professionals need to develop.
Category 1 – Understanding the Science Behind Learning: Neuroscience and Learning Theory
Grasping how the human brain learns is essential for designing effective training programs. Michael Lux emphasizes the importance of “How People Learn” by Nick Shackleton-Jones as a must-read for any learning professional. This book dives into the neuroscience behind how the brain processes information and highlights the pivotal role emotions play in retaining knowledge. By understanding these principles, L&D professionals can design learning experiences that align with how the brain naturally works, making their programs more engaging and impactful.
For those focusing on adult learners, Dan Collier highly recommends “The Adult Learner” and “Applying Andragogy in Practice” by Malcolm Knowles. These books provide foundational insights into adult learning theory, which is critical for anyone designing training programs for professionals. Knowles’ work on andragogy—focused on self-directed, experiential learning—equips L&D leaders with the tools they need to build programs that resonate with adult learners.
Category 2 – Leadership: Emotional Intelligence and Servant Leadership
As an L&D professional moves forward into leadership, mastering interpersonal skills becomes just as important as technical expertise. Dan Collier highlights “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith, which is essential for identifying personal blind spots that may hinder future growth. The book focuses on how successful leaders can evolve by shedding ineffective habits and embracing new behaviors to drive their teams forward.
Collier also recommends “Servant Leadership” by Robert Greenleaf, which introduces the powerful concept of leading by serving others. For learning professionals looking to foster an environment of collaboration and support, this approach to leadership is transformative. “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman is another must-read in this category, illustrating why emotional intelligence (EQ) is often more important than IQ when managing teams, particularly in the context of corporate learning.
Category 3 – Communication and Negotiation: Navigating Stakeholder Relationships
Building strong relationships with stakeholders is a crucial part of L&D leadership. Michael Lux recommends “Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher and William Ury as an essential guide for honing negotiation skills. The book outlines strategies for reaching mutually beneficial agreements, which are invaluable when advocating for training programs and aligning them with business goals.
Tally Butler suggests “Design Thinking for Training and Development” by Sharon Boller and Laura Fletcher as a key resource for managing stakeholder expectations. The book offers an enhanced approach to traditional models like ADDIE, helping L&D leaders design programs that not only meet learning goals but also align with business needs.
Category 4 – Shaping Organizational Culture: Corporate Training and Culture Building
Tally Butler emphasizes the importance of understanding how L&D shapes an organization’s culture, recommending “Irresistible” by Josh Bersin. This book provides a deep dive into how L&D can contribute to a supportive and thriving corporate culture, making it essential reading for professionals aiming to lead change within their organizations.
“The Trusted Learning Advisor” by Dr. Keith Keating, recommended by Brandy Ford, is another vital resource. This book focuses on the importance of credibility and trust in establishing oneself as a strategic partner in the corporate world, which is key to driving L&D initiatives that align with business objectives.
Category 5 – Project Management and Strategic Leadership
Tammy Vetter stresses the importance of understanding project management for L&D leaders, recommending “Managing Projects” by Lou Russell. This book offers practical advice on managing the unpredictability of training projects and provides tools for ensuring project success—skills that are essential for future L&D leaders.
Vetter also suggests “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins, which provides guidance on navigating transitions into new leadership roles. This is especially important for L&D professionals who are moving into management positions and need to quickly establish strategic relationships across their organizations.
Category 6 – Measuring Impact: ROI and Business Alignment
Demonstrating the value of training programs is a key responsibility for L&D leaders. Brandy Ford recommends “The Business Case for Learning” by Dr. Pat Phillips and Dr. Jack Phillips, which provides a comprehensive guide to measuring the ROI of learning initiatives. This book equips professionals with the skills to present their programs in terms that resonate with business leaders, ensuring that learning solutions are seen as integral to business success.
Category 7 – Innovating in Learning: Evidence-Based Strategies
Finally, Kevin Farrell highlights “Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning” by Henry Roediger, Mark McDaniel, and Peter Brown as a critical read for L&D professionals. This book challenges traditional learning paradigms and advocates for evidence-based strategies that improve retention and engagement. For those looking to innovate in the design of learning experiences, this resource offers research-backed insights that will help them lead more effective training initiatives.
These book recommendations, curated by experienced learning leaders, offer a comprehensive guide for any learning professional looking to step into a leadership role. Whether you’re focused on developing a deep understanding of adult learning theory, enhancing your leadership skills, or driving business-aligned learning strategies, these resources provide a roadmap for success in the ever-evolving world of corporate training.
Download Your Copy of: Trends in Learning & Development: Insights from Learning Leaders
Are you looking to augment your staff with an instructional design consultant? Let our practitioner Relationship Managers find the best consultant for your upcoming project.
When you have more projects than people™, TrainingPros can provide the right L&D consultants to ensure your projects are a success.
