Description
Learning communities transform organizations through sharing knowledge, spearheading practice, solving problems, seeding innovation and supercharging development. So how can you develop a culture of learning in your organization? Organizational Learning Communities answers this question and explains how and why this approach can improve individual employee performance and drive overall business results. Written by a leading voice in the learning profession, this book contains everything that Learning and Development (L&D) practitioners need to know to successfully embed learning communities in their organizations. Following the 7Cs model of Cause, Culture, Conditions, Cadence, Content, Contributions and Credit, the book establishes the key factors that underpin thriving learning communities as well as the benefits of social and collaborative learning in the company. This practical guide establishes strategies to drive community impact and report success to stakeholders, drawing widely on evidence-based research and real-world examples. Each chapter ends with reflective questions to support transfer to the reader's context. This is essential reading for those involved in facilitating learning communities, or planning on pioneering one, to empower their organization's productivity and performance.
About the Author
Andy Lancaster is Chief Learning Officer at Reimagine People Development consultancy, specializing in supporting, coaching and mentoring learning leaders and teams to create impactful development strategies and solutions, transform learning cultures and empower socialized learning communities. The former Head of Learning at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Andy is a trusted thinker, commentator and inspiring speaker, renowned for his insights that have helped reshape the organizational learning landscape globally. He is the author of award-winning Driving Performance Through Learning, also published by Kogan Page.
Reviews
"Organizational Learning Communities is one of the most thought-provoking and inspirational learning strategy books and a must for any future-focused, ambitious learning and development professional. Packed full of fascinating insights and perspectives, and backed by impactful and practical strategies, it holds the keys to unlocking learning communities, one of the most important and transformational opportunities in the world of work. Andy Lancaster is extremely generous in the quality and depth of thinking shared, coupled with providing the opportunity to reflect on and develop your own perspectives. The book delivers a hands-on experience that keeps you coming back for more. It's a critical text for learning professionals serious about creating meaningful and long-lasting impact." * Gavin McQuillan, Head of Learning and Development, RBS *
"Organizational Learning Communitiesis an exciting read, offering a practical roadmap for establishing and nurturing organizational learning communities. Through a blend of historical insights, learning theory and personal experience and anecdotes, Andy Lancaster convincingly advocates for the value of learning communities and their effective management. The book equips readers with abundant guidance, tips, and templates, catering to individuals at all levels of community oversight. Its accessible format allows for easy navigation and reference, with thorough citations for deeper exploration." * Lisa Johnson, Assistant Director of Leadership, Performance and Culture, NHS Blood & Transplant *
"Organizational Learning Communities is hands down the most in-depth book and resource on learning communities. It provides a comprehensive mix of theories, models and real-life stories which support and echo my experiences. Andy Lancaster expertly navigates each topic in detail, supporting the reader in every chapter with opportunities for practical application and reflection. The book has consolidated and enhanced my knowledge, capturing the skills needed to both establish community building and take it to the next level. If you're thinking "where on earth do I start?" with learning communities, I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed." * Mike Collins, Head of Customer Success, Looop by 360Learning *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a must read for anyone in L&D looking to innovate in their context. It provides key insights into building a community-based learning approach that impacts organizational transformation. In a captivating, easy to read format with much practical advice, Andy Lancaster explores the profound impact that learning communities and a collaborative culture can have on organizational and individual performance. Steeped in research, the book articulates how dialogue and knowledge-sharing empowers collective intelligence, leading to adaptive strategies, the retention of organizational knowledge and sustainable growth. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned learning leader or a just starting in the profession, this book offers fascinating and actionable insights for cultivating a connected learning culture." * Malcolm Taylor, Head of Capability, UK Health Security Agency *
"Business books about learning often fail to inspire you enough to make a change! Not so with Organizational Learning Communities which is inspirational and helpful in shaping healthy socialized learning environments. Implementing change is challenging; often there's a thirst to read about the 'how,' not the 'what' and the 'why'. In every chapter, Andy Lancaster draws on powerful change principles and provokes the reader to answer the critical questions: 'So what?' and 'Now what?' The structure is excellent and the content memorable and full of valuable tips, challenges and actions. Reading the book has been inspirational and it's highly recommended for those leading a learning culture to support organizational capability." * Julia Stanton-Powell, Head of Learning Design, International Academy at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office *
"The thing I love about Organizational Learning Communities is how incredibly simple and practical the advice is, whilst being grounded in significant evidence-based research. I particularly found the "So what? Now what?" sections at the end of every chapter helpful, gently nudging you as the reader to reflect and act before moving forward. Social learning is a big focus area for me, I couldn't have asked for a better toolkit than this book. It's like having a personal mentor walking with you as you navigate the maze of social learning with others in your organization and is definitely worth purchasing." * Sonali Narendran, Talent and Learning Partner, Starbucks EMEA *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a fantastic handbook for anybody who wants to think systematically and professionally about learning communities, and their role in organizations big and small. It covers the theoretical background but also has a strong practical focus. It forces you to think about choices you might not even have realised you were making - from cultural issues to digital platforms, from community facilitation to learner reward. I hugely recommend it!" * Jonathan Marshall, Head of Skills Strategy (Government Skills), Curriculum Team, Government Skills and Curriculum Unit *
"Ever wondered the difference between collective and collaborative learning or virtual versus the metaverse for hosting your community experience? Organizational Learning Communities explores these and more, through a pragmatic, accessible 'dip into chapters' approach. It supports the reader to think through building learning communities at every juncture, from their establishment, to fostering active engagement, inclusivity and accessibility, to addressing passivity and knowing when a group has reached its shelf life. It's packed full of all the learning concepts and considerations you could imagine for today's workplaces, punctuated by theory and examples. In an era where organizations are increasingly competing for skills and retaining knowledge capital within hybrid workplaces, this is a timely book for any people practitioner." * Jane Hapgood, Professions and Talent Programmes Lead, Financial Services *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a stunning book! The format is brilliant: a cross between a Haynes manual and an Eyewitness Travel Guide on how to build and run learning communities. Each chapter is self-contained starting with a "Key thought" to get you thinking and ending with "Reflection and action". The use of case studies and examples helps you understand, apply and retain the information. The book is supported by different media, by linking out to a website or scanning a QR code, you can access downloadable resources, checklists and tables relating to the content. It is written to help you learn and is such a valuable resource for anybody building learning communities." * Martin Baker, CEO, The Charity Learning Consortium *
"Organizational Learning Communities is one of the most thought-provoking and inspirational learning strategy books and a must for any future-focused, ambitious learning and development professional. Packed full of fascinating insights and perspectives, and backed by impactful and practical strategies, it holds the keys to unlocking learning communities, one of the most important and transformational opportunities in the world of work. Andy Lancaster is extremely generous in the quality and depth of thinking shared, coupled with providing the opportunity to reflect on and develop your own perspectives. The book delivers a hands-on experience that keeps you coming back for more. It's a critical text for learning professionals serious about creating meaningful and long-lasting impact." * Gavin McQuillan, Head of Learning and Development, RBS *
"Organizational Learning Communitiesis an exciting read, offering a practical roadmap for establishing and nurturing organizational learning communities. Through a blend of historical insights, learning theory and personal experience and anecdotes, Andy Lancaster convincingly advocates for the value of learning communities and their effective management. The book equips readers with abundant guidance, tips, and templates, catering to individuals at all levels of community oversight. Its accessible format allows for easy navigation and reference, with thorough citations for deeper exploration." * Lisa Johnson, Assistant Director of Leadership, Performance and Culture, NHS Blood & Transplant *
"Organizational Learning Communities is hands down the most in-depth book and resource on learning communities. It provides a comprehensive mix of theories, models and real-life stories which support and echo my experiences. Andy Lancaster expertly navigates each topic in detail, supporting the reader in every chapter with opportunities for practical application and reflection. The book has consolidated and enhanced my knowledge, capturing the skills needed to both establish community building and take it to the next level. If you're thinking "where on earth do I start?" with learning communities, I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed." * Mike Collins, Head of Customer Success, Looop by 360Learning *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a must read for anyone in L&D looking to innovate in their context. It provides key insights into building a community-based learning approach that impacts organizational transformation. In a captivating, easy to read format with much practical advice, Andy Lancaster explores the profound impact that learning communities and a collaborative culture can have on organizational and individual performance. Steeped in research, the book articulates how dialogue and knowledge-sharing empowers collective intelligence, leading to adaptive strategies, the retention of organizational knowledge and sustainable growth. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned learning leader or a just starting in the profession, this book offers fascinating and actionable insights for cultivating a connected learning culture." * Malcolm Taylor, Head of Capability, UK Health Security Agency *
"Business books about learning often fail to inspire you enough to make a change! Not so with Organizational Learning Communities which is inspirational and helpful in shaping healthy socialized learning environments. Implementing change is challenging; often there's a thirst to read about the 'how,' not the 'what' and the 'why'. In every chapter, Andy Lancaster draws on powerful change principles and provokes the reader to answer the critical questions: 'So what?' and 'Now what?' The structure is excellent and the content memorable and full of valuable tips, challenges and actions. Reading the book has been inspirational and it's highly recommended for those leading a learning culture to support organizational capability." * Julia Stanton-Powell, Head of Learning Design, International Academy at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office *
"The thing I love about Organizational Learning Communities is how incredibly simple and practical the advice is, whilst being grounded in significant evidence-based research. I particularly found the "So what? Now what?" sections at the end of every chapter helpful, gently nudging you as the reader to reflect and act before moving forward. Social learning is a big focus area for me, I couldn't have asked for a better toolkit than this book. It's like having a personal mentor walking with you as you navigate the maze of social learning with others in your organization and is definitely worth purchasing." * Sonali Narendran, Talent and Learning Partner, Starbucks EMEA *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a fantastic handbook for anybody who wants to think systematically and professionally about learning communities, and their role in organizations big and small. It covers the theoretical background but also has a strong practical focus. It forces you to think about choices you might not even have realised you were making - from cultural issues to digital platforms, from community facilitation to learner reward. I hugely recommend it!" * Jonathan Marshall, Head of Skills Strategy (Government Skills), Curriculum Team, Government Skills and Curriculum Unit *
"Ever wondered the difference between collective and collaborative learning or virtual versus the metaverse for hosting your community experience? Organizational Learning Communities explores these and more, through a pragmatic, accessible 'dip into chapters' approach. It supports the reader to think through building learning communities at every juncture, from their establishment, to fostering active engagement, inclusivity and accessibility, to addressing passivity and knowing when a group has reached its shelf life. It's packed full of all the learning concepts and considerations you could imagine for today's workplaces, punctuated by theory and examples. In an era where organizations are increasingly competing for skills and retaining knowledge capital within hybrid workplaces, this is a timely book for any people practitioner." * Jane Hapgood, Professions and Talent Programmes Lead, Financial Services *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a stunning book! The format is brilliant: a cross between a Haynes manual and an Eyewitness Travel Guide on how to build and run learning communities. Each chapter is self-contained starting with a "Key thought" to get you thinking and ending with "Reflection and action". The use of case studies and examples helps you understand, apply and retain the information. The book is supported by different media, by linking out to a website or scanning a QR code, you can access downloadable resources, checklists and tables relating to the content. It is written to help you learn and is such a valuable resource for anybody building learning communities." * Martin Baker, CEO, The Charity Learning Consortium *
Book Information
ISBN 9781398615526
Author Andy Lancaster
Format Hardback
Page Count 448
Imprint Kogan Page Ltd
Publisher Kogan Page Ltd
About the Author
Andy Lancaster is Chief Learning Officer at Reimagine People Development consultancy, specializing in supporting, coaching and mentoring learning leaders and teams to create impactful development strategies and solutions, transform learning cultures and empower socialized learning communities. The former Head of Learning at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Andy is a trusted thinker, commentator and inspiring speaker, renowned for his insights that have helped reshape the organizational learning landscape globally. He is the author of award-winning Driving Performance Through Learning, also published by Kogan Page.
Reviews
"Organizational Learning Communities is one of the most thought-provoking and inspirational learning strategy books and a must for any future-focused, ambitious learning and development professional. Packed full of fascinating insights and perspectives, and backed by impactful and practical strategies, it holds the keys to unlocking learning communities, one of the most important and transformational opportunities in the world of work. Andy Lancaster is extremely generous in the quality and depth of thinking shared, coupled with providing the opportunity to reflect on and develop your own perspectives. The book delivers a hands-on experience that keeps you coming back for more. It's a critical text for learning professionals serious about creating meaningful and long-lasting impact." * Gavin McQuillan, Head of Learning and Development, RBS *
"Organizational Learning Communitiesis an exciting read, offering a practical roadmap for establishing and nurturing organizational learning communities. Through a blend of historical insights, learning theory and personal experience and anecdotes, Andy Lancaster convincingly advocates for the value of learning communities and their effective management. The book equips readers with abundant guidance, tips, and templates, catering to individuals at all levels of community oversight. Its accessible format allows for easy navigation and reference, with thorough citations for deeper exploration." * Lisa Johnson, Assistant Director of Leadership, Performance and Culture, NHS Blood & Transplant *
"Organizational Learning Communities is hands down the most in-depth book and resource on learning communities. It provides a comprehensive mix of theories, models and real-life stories which support and echo my experiences. Andy Lancaster expertly navigates each topic in detail, supporting the reader in every chapter with opportunities for practical application and reflection. The book has consolidated and enhanced my knowledge, capturing the skills needed to both establish community building and take it to the next level. If you're thinking "where on earth do I start?" with learning communities, I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed." * Mike Collins, Head of Customer Success, Looop by 360Learning *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a must read for anyone in L&D looking to innovate in their context. It provides key insights into building a community-based learning approach that impacts organizational transformation. In a captivating, easy to read format with much practical advice, Andy Lancaster explores the profound impact that learning communities and a collaborative culture can have on organizational and individual performance. Steeped in research, the book articulates how dialogue and knowledge-sharing empowers collective intelligence, leading to adaptive strategies, the retention of organizational knowledge and sustainable growth. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned learning leader or a just starting in the profession, this book offers fascinating and actionable insights for cultivating a connected learning culture." * Malcolm Taylor, Head of Capability, UK Health Security Agency *
"Business books about learning often fail to inspire you enough to make a change! Not so with Organizational Learning Communities which is inspirational and helpful in shaping healthy socialized learning environments. Implementing change is challenging; often there's a thirst to read about the 'how,' not the 'what' and the 'why'. In every chapter, Andy Lancaster draws on powerful change principles and provokes the reader to answer the critical questions: 'So what?' and 'Now what?' The structure is excellent and the content memorable and full of valuable tips, challenges and actions. Reading the book has been inspirational and it's highly recommended for those leading a learning culture to support organizational capability." * Julia Stanton-Powell, Head of Learning Design, International Academy at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office *
"The thing I love about Organizational Learning Communities is how incredibly simple and practical the advice is, whilst being grounded in significant evidence-based research. I particularly found the "So what? Now what?" sections at the end of every chapter helpful, gently nudging you as the reader to reflect and act before moving forward. Social learning is a big focus area for me, I couldn't have asked for a better toolkit than this book. It's like having a personal mentor walking with you as you navigate the maze of social learning with others in your organization and is definitely worth purchasing." * Sonali Narendran, Talent and Learning Partner, Starbucks EMEA *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a fantastic handbook for anybody who wants to think systematically and professionally about learning communities, and their role in organizations big and small. It covers the theoretical background but also has a strong practical focus. It forces you to think about choices you might not even have realised you were making - from cultural issues to digital platforms, from community facilitation to learner reward. I hugely recommend it!" * Jonathan Marshall, Head of Skills Strategy (Government Skills), Curriculum Team, Government Skills and Curriculum Unit *
"Ever wondered the difference between collective and collaborative learning or virtual versus the metaverse for hosting your community experience? Organizational Learning Communities explores these and more, through a pragmatic, accessible 'dip into chapters' approach. It supports the reader to think through building learning communities at every juncture, from their establishment, to fostering active engagement, inclusivity and accessibility, to addressing passivity and knowing when a group has reached its shelf life. It's packed full of all the learning concepts and considerations you could imagine for today's workplaces, punctuated by theory and examples. In an era where organizations are increasingly competing for skills and retaining knowledge capital within hybrid workplaces, this is a timely book for any people practitioner." * Jane Hapgood, Professions and Talent Programmes Lead, Financial Services *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a stunning book! The format is brilliant: a cross between a Haynes manual and an Eyewitness Travel Guide on how to build and run learning communities. Each chapter is self-contained starting with a "Key thought" to get you thinking and ending with "Reflection and action". The use of case studies and examples helps you understand, apply and retain the information. The book is supported by different media, by linking out to a website or scanning a QR code, you can access downloadable resources, checklists and tables relating to the content. It is written to help you learn and is such a valuable resource for anybody building learning communities." * Martin Baker, CEO, The Charity Learning Consortium *
"Organizational Learning Communities is one of the most thought-provoking and inspirational learning strategy books and a must for any future-focused, ambitious learning and development professional. Packed full of fascinating insights and perspectives, and backed by impactful and practical strategies, it holds the keys to unlocking learning communities, one of the most important and transformational opportunities in the world of work. Andy Lancaster is extremely generous in the quality and depth of thinking shared, coupled with providing the opportunity to reflect on and develop your own perspectives. The book delivers a hands-on experience that keeps you coming back for more. It's a critical text for learning professionals serious about creating meaningful and long-lasting impact." * Gavin McQuillan, Head of Learning and Development, RBS *
"Organizational Learning Communitiesis an exciting read, offering a practical roadmap for establishing and nurturing organizational learning communities. Through a blend of historical insights, learning theory and personal experience and anecdotes, Andy Lancaster convincingly advocates for the value of learning communities and their effective management. The book equips readers with abundant guidance, tips, and templates, catering to individuals at all levels of community oversight. Its accessible format allows for easy navigation and reference, with thorough citations for deeper exploration." * Lisa Johnson, Assistant Director of Leadership, Performance and Culture, NHS Blood & Transplant *
"Organizational Learning Communities is hands down the most in-depth book and resource on learning communities. It provides a comprehensive mix of theories, models and real-life stories which support and echo my experiences. Andy Lancaster expertly navigates each topic in detail, supporting the reader in every chapter with opportunities for practical application and reflection. The book has consolidated and enhanced my knowledge, capturing the skills needed to both establish community building and take it to the next level. If you're thinking "where on earth do I start?" with learning communities, I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed." * Mike Collins, Head of Customer Success, Looop by 360Learning *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a must read for anyone in L&D looking to innovate in their context. It provides key insights into building a community-based learning approach that impacts organizational transformation. In a captivating, easy to read format with much practical advice, Andy Lancaster explores the profound impact that learning communities and a collaborative culture can have on organizational and individual performance. Steeped in research, the book articulates how dialogue and knowledge-sharing empowers collective intelligence, leading to adaptive strategies, the retention of organizational knowledge and sustainable growth. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned learning leader or a just starting in the profession, this book offers fascinating and actionable insights for cultivating a connected learning culture." * Malcolm Taylor, Head of Capability, UK Health Security Agency *
"Business books about learning often fail to inspire you enough to make a change! Not so with Organizational Learning Communities which is inspirational and helpful in shaping healthy socialized learning environments. Implementing change is challenging; often there's a thirst to read about the 'how,' not the 'what' and the 'why'. In every chapter, Andy Lancaster draws on powerful change principles and provokes the reader to answer the critical questions: 'So what?' and 'Now what?' The structure is excellent and the content memorable and full of valuable tips, challenges and actions. Reading the book has been inspirational and it's highly recommended for those leading a learning culture to support organizational capability." * Julia Stanton-Powell, Head of Learning Design, International Academy at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office *
"The thing I love about Organizational Learning Communities is how incredibly simple and practical the advice is, whilst being grounded in significant evidence-based research. I particularly found the "So what? Now what?" sections at the end of every chapter helpful, gently nudging you as the reader to reflect and act before moving forward. Social learning is a big focus area for me, I couldn't have asked for a better toolkit than this book. It's like having a personal mentor walking with you as you navigate the maze of social learning with others in your organization and is definitely worth purchasing." * Sonali Narendran, Talent and Learning Partner, Starbucks EMEA *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a fantastic handbook for anybody who wants to think systematically and professionally about learning communities, and their role in organizations big and small. It covers the theoretical background but also has a strong practical focus. It forces you to think about choices you might not even have realised you were making - from cultural issues to digital platforms, from community facilitation to learner reward. I hugely recommend it!" * Jonathan Marshall, Head of Skills Strategy (Government Skills), Curriculum Team, Government Skills and Curriculum Unit *
"Ever wondered the difference between collective and collaborative learning or virtual versus the metaverse for hosting your community experience? Organizational Learning Communities explores these and more, through a pragmatic, accessible 'dip into chapters' approach. It supports the reader to think through building learning communities at every juncture, from their establishment, to fostering active engagement, inclusivity and accessibility, to addressing passivity and knowing when a group has reached its shelf life. It's packed full of all the learning concepts and considerations you could imagine for today's workplaces, punctuated by theory and examples. In an era where organizations are increasingly competing for skills and retaining knowledge capital within hybrid workplaces, this is a timely book for any people practitioner." * Jane Hapgood, Professions and Talent Programmes Lead, Financial Services *
"Organizational Learning Communities is a stunning book! The format is brilliant: a cross between a Haynes manual and an Eyewitness Travel Guide on how to build and run learning communities. Each chapter is self-contained starting with a "Key thought" to get you thinking and ending with "Reflection and action". The use of case studies and examples helps you understand, apply and retain the information. The book is supported by different media, by linking out to a website or scanning a QR code, you can access downloadable resources, checklists and tables relating to the content. It is written to help you learn and is such a valuable resource for anybody building learning communities." * Martin Baker, CEO, The Charity Learning Consortium *
Book Information
ISBN 9781398615526
Author Andy Lancaster
Format Hardback
Page Count 448
Imprint Kogan Page Ltd
Publisher Kogan Page Ltd
