Stop talking learning: Start talking business

In these tough economic times, its time for L&D professionals to start thinking about business productivity and performance, and avoid the tunnel vision that training is always the answer, says Charles Jennings.

There has never been a better time than now for training and development managers to review their modus operandi for delivering services to their organisations. They should be taking the time to explore how they can improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of their teams' efforts.

You may ask 'why now?' Well, the answer is that we know during times of change - whether in changing economic conditions, during times of merger or acquisition, or when management upheavals occur - organisations tend to be more open to altering existing practices or adopting new approaches than they are when the times are good and organisational life is stable.

When things become 'unstuck' it is worth listening to the advice of Warren Buffett, a master of taking advantage in unsettled economic times.