2014 Learning and Leadership Development Conference Day 1 Recap
We are just wrapping up a great first day at HCI’s 2014 Learning and Leadership Development Conference in Boston, Massachusetts at the scenic Seaport Boston Hotel and Seaport World Trade Center. We focused this year’s content seeking to answer the question, “How do we build an environment that produces the kind of learning and development we need for future growth?” With the exiting Boomer workforce and rising tide of Millennials assuming leadership positions in the workforce, the nature of leadership competencies are shifting, focusing on skills like critical thinking, collaboration, big data and predictive analytics and a nuanced understanding of the importance of social media and mobile technologies roles in engagement.
What is the Primary Motivator of People?
Diving into the question of how to build an environment that will to sustain future success, Teresa Amabile Ph.D., Author, TED Presenter and Director of Research at Harvard Business School, shared the secret to motivating workers and teams. Examining research culled from more than 12,000 confidential daily diary entries from 238 professionals across three industries, seven companies, and 26 creative teams, Amabile shared some counter-intuitive insights leading to some real ‘A-ha’ moments from the audience. Amabile introduced a performance driving concept she called the “Inner Work Effect” combining positive perceptions, pleasant emotions, and intrinsic motivation. Leaders of top companies surveyed overwhelming chose recognition to be the top motivator among choices including clear goals, incentives, interpersonal support and progress, when in fact progress is the most effective motivator. Less than 5% of leaders ranked ‘progress’ first highlighting the disconnect between where we are currently and where we need to be. Amabile shared anecdotes from her research along with examples from the attendees in the audience to reinforce her findings. Overwhelmingly workers who felt they made progress on meaningful work were the most engaged and satisfied, creating a direct correlation with financial success for the company. Connecting the dots on how meaningful work leads to organization efficiency, Any Miller and Barbara Keen, Head of Organization Effectiveness at Novo Nordisk spoke on how Novo Nordisk’s goal to defeat diabetes in this lifetime drives both engagement and inspiration in their presentation.
Leaders Ability to Leverage Talent is the True Differentiator between a Good and Great Company
Edith Cooper, Managing Director and Global Head of Human Capital Management at Goldman Sachs, delivered the final keynote of the day on “The Leadership Imperative.” Cooper explained the globalization isn’t just firms with locations in multiple countries, but it is firms and leaders who understand that, “Diversity must be defined as all differences and the power of differences.” Acknowledging the shifting and evolving market Cooper stated, “Today’s leaders must be ready and eager to respond the many factors and adapt to change,” and proclaimed that learning and leadership are the two most important levers available to move the organization in the right direction.
As we look forward to day two of the 2014 Learning and Leadership Development Conference, I think it is important for those of us in attendance, virtually or in person, to reflect on the roles we each play daily in the learning and leadership of our companies. What can we do each day to make progress in our meaningful work and acknowledge the efforts of our peers, colleagues, and employees? Are you providing the “Nourishment factor” to your team? What changes will you make, and what has been your biggest takeaway? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter using the hashtag #HCIevents.