DECLINE - Deep Dive: Catch the Wave: Learning Agility for Leader Development During Changing Tides

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover the power of learning agility through the lens of our changing public health landscape. In this skill-building presentation, we discuss learning agility's role in driving innovation and setting public health leaders up for anything including, embracing new perspectives, diversifying partners, leveraging new technology and developing a resilient public health workforce. Join this session to gain insight into how you can assess learning agility and implement practices to ensure you, your team, and your organization are ready for the next wave of change.

Detailed abstract description: As public health leaders in today's complex environment, we must adapt swiftly in ambiguous situations, leverage past experiences to tackle new challenges, and remain curious and open-minded towards approaches to problem-solving. In this skill-building session, participants are given examples of how agile leaders are moving beyond traditional solutions, embracing continuous improvement and innovation by practicing learning agility. A recent 2022 study conducted by researchers at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands validated the use of 18-item Leadership Learning Agility Scale (LLAS) which measures willingness to learn from social experiences and apply those lessons in new leadership roles. The validation of this assessment in addition to the extensive research completed by Burke and Mitchinson at Columbia University on the 9-factor model of learning agility has been largely untapped in public health workforce development.
Assessment and deliberate practice using the concept of organizational “sandboxes" is one way public health leaders are building agility in their teams and organizations. “Sandboxes” are intentionally placed virtual learning spaces where employees are asked to try newly acquired skills or apply "old" skills in new situations without the fear of failure or repercussions. During these “sandbox” sessions, risk is encouraged, and failure is expected. Group reflection, followed by learning, re-application of skills and eventually practice with teams, clients, and communities progresses the continuous learning cycle for mastering this type of agility.
While learning agility takes time to develop, there is already much progress being made in public health organizations that have prioritized this type of development for their employees. Through a series of structured "sandbox" sessions, public health practitioners in three regional agencies are catching on to a new way of applying skills to evolving and ambiguous situations. The use of a more active learning approach is impacting how learning and development efforts are being implemented in government agencies and, how employees are viewing the alternative to the once "required management trainings."
Aside from enabling leaders to navigate unpredictability with greater confidence and adaptability, learning agility equips leaders with a mindset to quickly assimilate new information, adjust strategies, and make informed decisions in the face of complexity. Instead of relying on static frameworks or conventional solutions, session participants will gain an understanding of how learning agility fosters resilience, retention, and overall employee engagement aligning with Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) goals.
By the end of the session, participant will be able to complete a learning agility assessment, determine a plan for integrating learning agility practice, and set an action objective for developing learning agility over the next 6 months.