Introduction:
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, leaders must be able to adapt to change and stay ahead of the curve. One way to do this is through hands-on learning, which offers a practical, immersive approach to learning that engages leaders in a way that traditional learning methods cannot. In this blog post, we’ll explore why hands-on learning is becoming increasingly essential for leaders, the benefits it offers, and how organizations can implement it to ensure future readiness.
The importance of staying current
The pace of technological change and disruption in today’s world is faster than ever before. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, we are on the cusp of a Fourth Industrial Revolution. This revolution is characterized by the fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital, and biological worlds. This disruption is transforming entire industries and creating upcoming ones, with innovations such as AI, blockchain, and robotics changing the way we work and live. A study by the Corporate Executive Board found that companies with a strong learning culture are 17% more likely to be market leaders.
Falling behind and losing relevance can have serious consequences for leaders and organizations. In fact, a study by McKinsey found that 80% of executives believe their business models are at risk of disruption in the next five years. To avoid being left behind, we must be able to stay current and continually learn and adapt to new challenges.
Implementing hands-on learning in organizations
Creating a culture of continuous learning is essential for encouraging hands-on learning. Leaders must be willing to invest in training and development programs and create opportunities for employees to learn and grow. This includes providing resources and opportunities for hands-on learning, such as workshops, hackathons, and mentorship programs.
Mentors, coaches, and peer-to-peer learning are also critical for hands-on learning in organizations. Leaders can learn from their peers and colleagues and share their own knowledge and expertise in a collaborative environment. This fosters a culture of continuous learning and helps create a more agile, adaptable organization.
How has hands-on learning influenced the way businesses to operate?
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 54% of all employees will require significant reskilling and upskilling by 2025.
Hands-on learning is a highly effective form of experiential learning that engages learners practically and is immersive. Research shows that people remember 90% of what they learn through hands-on practice, compared to just 10% of what they hear. Hands-on learning also allows learners to develop practical skills and knowledge that they can apply directly to their roles.
Active Engagement and Experiential Learning
Hands-on labs allow learners to actively engage with cloud technology rather than just reading about it or listening to a lecture. This active engagement leads to experiential learning, which is proven to be more effective than traditional classroom-based learning.
Developing practical skills and knowledge
Hands-on labs provide learners with the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge that can be applied directly to their work.
Building confidence and adaptability
Cloud technology is constantly evolving, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and developments. These cloud labs for learners provide a safe and supportive environment for learners to experiment with cutting-edge technologies and approaches. This builds confidence in learners, which in turn makes them more willing to take risks and try various approaches to their work.
Encouraging innovation and creativity
Hands-on labs can also encourage innovation and creativity in leaders in order to create more opportunities for their organization. By actively engaging with cloud technology, learners are more likely to think creatively about how to apply it to their work. They may also be inspired by the experience to develop creative ideas and approaches to solving problems.
Implementing hands-on cloud labs in organizations
To fully embrace hands-on learning, organizations must create a culture of continuous learning. This culture must be supported by resources and opportunities for hands-on cloud labs, such as virtual labs and workshops. Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning can also play a crucial role in helping learners develop new skills and knowledge.
Success Stories of Hands-On Cloud Labs in Organizations
A success story of hands-on learning in L&D comes from the collaboration between Nuvepro’s hands-on labs and Tech Mahindra. Nuvepro, a cloud management platform provider, has partnered with Tech Mahindra to offer cloud-based learning and upskilling solutions to its employees. With Nuvepro’s expertise in cloud automation and management and Tech Mahindra’s extensive experience in delivering digital transformation solutions, the partnership aims to build a highly skilled and project-ready workforce in cloud technologies.
Similarly, TCS recognized the importance of providing its employees with experiential learning opportunities to enhance their ability to design innovative solutions to the business challenges faced by its customers. However, a skills gap became evident, as employees lacked the necessary practical knowledge to contribute effectively to projects. To address these challenges, TCS turned to Nuvepro’s hands-on labs, which allowed them to quickly establish a well-balanced learning experience that combined theory and practice. With the help of Nuvepro’s hands-on labs, TCS was able to close the skills gap and make their workforce project-ready. This success story highlights the importance of hands-on learning and how it can help organizations stay relevant and competitive in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hands-on learning is becoming increasingly essential for leaders in today’s organizations. By engaging in practical, experiential learning, leaders can develop the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation in their organizations. By creating a culture of continuous learning, providing resources and opportunities for hands-on learning, and encouraging mentorship and peer-to-peer learning, organizations can ensure that their leaders are equipped to navigate the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.