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Why the Role of Chief Learning Officer is Evolving

February 1, 2017

By Wendi Walker-Schmidt
The role of chief learning officer is evolving as we head toward 2021. Organizations are starting to understand that learning is at the heart of talent management as a business strategy. As a result, the traditional role of a Chief Learning Officer is shifting--an inevitable change but a good change.

The role of chief learning officer is evolving as we head toward 2021. Organizations are starting to understand that learning is at the heart of talent management as a business strategy. As a result, the traditional role of a Chief Learning Officer is shifting--an inevitable change but a good change.

There has been a significant shift in what organizations need for talent management. The customary Chief Human Resources Officer is taking on more than just tasks that include culture and incentives, and as a result, the role of a CLO is beginning to morph. Next-generation leaders must be equipped with updated skills that may not have been required in the past.

According to the Forbes Coaches Council, modern leaders exhibit essential leadership skills such as culture management, collaboration, and co-creative leadership. This is very apparent in the shift of the CHRO and CLO roles. Here’s why:

  • The CHRO is now engaging in the operational side of HR such as compensation, benefits, and HRIS, while the CLO is transforming into a Chief Talent Officer focusing on talent items: culture, engagement, recognition, diversity, learning, organizational development/effectiveness, and recruitment.
  • CLOs must learn to think differently and holistically about the role. Their job is to build a talent ecosystem that starts in the recruiting process, progresses through team member development, focuses on engagement and retention, and culminates in ensuring a positive team member experience.
  • CLOs who are able to grow into a Chief Talent Officers will build the foundation for great places to work. In a world where there is a war on talent — a desire to hire the best and the brightest — CLOs should consider making adjustments to fit these evolving roles.
Why the Role of Chief Learning Officer is Evolving

 

Chief Learning Officers are generally so focused on growing and developing others, that they forget about their own personal growth and development. We need to grow the CLO role to help organizations have more engaged employees, highly focused management strategies, and better learning experiences to meet the specific learning styles of each individual.