Creating a learning and development strategy can feel like a big job, but don’t worry—it’s really about helping your team grow and do their best work. A good plan will help your people improve their skills and feel more confident, which helps your whole organization move forward.
Start by finding out what your team actually needs. Talk to people in different roles. Ask them what skills they’d like to learn or improve. You might also look at your company goals and think about what knowledge will help everyone get there together. If you're unsure of where to begin, working with a training provider can help point you in the right direction, especially if you’re just getting started.
Once you have a list of skills your team needs, come up with clear learning goals. These should be simple and realistic. For example, “help our sales team learn how to use a new software tool” or “give managers some extra practice in giving feedback.”
It’s also important to think about different ways people learn. Some prefer in-person classes, while others like online videos or hands-on practice. Try to offer a mix of options to keep people engaged and involved.
Don’t forget to check in with your team to see how training is going. Ask for feedback and be open to changes. Maybe a course wasn’t very helpful or people are too busy for long sessions. Use what they say to make your training better next time.
Give people time and space to learn—during work hours if possible. If you expect employees to learn new things after hours, they might feel stressed or rushed. Learning should feel like a part of work, not an extra chore.
Finally, celebrate progress. If someone finishes a course or learns a new skill, give them a shout-out in a team meeting or let them take on new challenges. It helps people stay motivated and shows that their growth matters.
A learning and development strategy isn’t something you finish and forget. Keep checking what’s working, stay flexible, and always look for better ways to support your team’s learning. It’s all about growing together, one step at a time.