Agile L&d - by Natal Dank

About the Book

Understand how to use agile methods and processes to upskill and reskill your workforce in a changing world of work.

Book Synopsis

Agility is no longer a buzzword, it's now a business imperative. Apply agile thinking, tools and processes to the learning function with this expert guide written specifically for learning and organizational development (OD) professionals.

Written by an author at the forefront of agility in the people profession, Agile L&D explains how to develop an agile approach to workplace learning. The business context has dramatically changed, so the way you approach specialisms like learning and OD must also change.

Based on five design principles: Product-led, Human-centric design, T-shaped people in T-shaped teams, Experimentation and Deliver with impact, Agile L&D provides a dedicated toolkit to help you design learning and OD solutions that solve workplace challenges and impact business performance. How we design work, upskill people and deploy teams is now intrinsically linked with modern business strategy. To continuously adapt to a complex business environment, companies need a more fluid movement of people and skills across the organization to better reflect customer needs, market opportunities and capability requirements. This book has the answer. Full of tools, tips and frameworks as well as real world examples from global organizations including Macmillan Cancer Support, TomTom, Diageo, Arup and Citizens Advice, this is essential reading for all learning and development, OD and people professionals in this constantly changing world of work.

Review Quotes

"This highly accessible book is for anyone who needs to evolve a traditional operational model for L&D and people teams into a multi-functional approach, powered with capabilities like human-centred design, experimentation and data analytics. It does an impressive job of bringing to life what can often be hazy concepts and translating them into practical tools and frameworks for any L&D or people team. Essential reading for our time."-- "Belinda Gannaway, Co-author Employee Experience by Design"

"Natal is able to crystallize, in expert and yet relatable language, the rationale for Agile L&D. She lays out the urgent case for why Agile is quite possibly the most viable response we have to the changing nature of work and skills and provides the guide to how we can do it. This book is truly something to get excited about."-- "David James, Chief Learning Officer, 360Learning"

"If you're an L&D leader looking to better engage and influence your C suite and deliver clear organizational impact, then this book is a must read. Using Natal's learnings and insight you'll soon be experimenting, prototyping and pivoting on your way to a new L&D mindset that really delivers for your people."-- "Jodie Pritchard, Director of Learning & Development, Barnardo's"

"In the ever-evolving landscape of HR, Natal stands out as a visionary leader, and her new book on Agile Learning and Development is a testament to her expertise. Her unique perspective on Agile methodologies has transformed the way we approach product development within HR. The book seamlessly combines theoretical insights with practical applications, providing a roadmap for L&D professionals to harness the power of agility. Her ability to translate agile concepts into actionable steps is unparalleled, making the book an invaluable resource for anyone striving to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of Learning & Development."-- "Charlotte Young, Director of Organizational Development, Cambridge University Press and Assessment"

"The most actionable Agile book I've read. If you're working in an L&D or People role and don't read this, you're missing a trick. Agile HR changed my entire philosophy on how to do 'people' work. Agile L&D now brings me a practical toolkit, case studies galore and a whole host of inspiration that applies not only to learning but to every part of people experience. If you're in an L&D role and you don't own a copy of this book, you're missing out on the chance to gain some very special superpowers. It just makes sense! Why didn't this book exist when I began my L&D career? The good news is, it exists now and should be a core text for anyone in the field of L&D and OD."-- "Aisling Winter, Head of Culture, IAG Loyalty"

"This book is a real game changer, especially now as we navigate the rapid transformation in the world of work. I absolutely love the five super practical principles Natal lays out. They're like a secret weapon for anyone in L&D looking to shake things up. Consider this book your new sidekick for navigating the exciting changes in work. Grab your markers and sticky notes; you're in for a hands-on experience."-- "Laura Keith, CEO, Hive Learning"

"This is not simply a book about Agile methodology, it is about how Organizational Development and Learning professionals can orient themselves and their practice to create experiences and development programmes for people that quickly and transparently drive business value. Agile L&D, is a way to deepen organizational consulting by centering people, focusing on incremental value, creating feedback loops and mastering the ability to respond to changing landscapes - essential skills for practitioners in contemporary contexts."-- "Wayne Mullen, Partner and Chief People Officer, Sentiem"

"What's great about the book is that it strikes the right balance between equipping you with practical tools and leading the way in real-time value creation in L&D and HR."-- "Arne-Christian van der Tang, Chief HR Officer, TomTom"

About the Author

Natal Dank co-founded PXO Culture, which offers learning, coaching and consultancy and specializes in people experience, HR and business agility. She is also Chief Trendwatcher at the HR Trend Institute and was named one of the Most Influential HR Thinkers of 2022 by HR Magazine. Recognized as a pioneer of Agile in the people profession, Natal hosted the first London-based Agile HR Meetup in 2016, which has since grown into a global movement reshaping the L&D and people profession. She is also the co-author of Agile HR.