- Organizational leaders remain unsatisfied with the performance of their current L&D functions.
- Employees are leaving organizations because they are not receiving the training and development that they were promised when they were hired.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- L&D can’t be all things to all people. It needs to be focused on proactively identifying and developing the critical learning needs that will enable the organization to deliver on their strategic objectives.
Impact and Result
- Highly effective HR departments create programs that are deeply aligned with the strategic needs of their organizations. L&D departments need to do the same.
- Involve key stakeholders from the beginning and perform a comprehensive needs analysis to understand the type of support from L&D that would be most valuable.
- Create an L&D framework that details a vision, objectives, primary learning needs, employee groups, core delivery methods, measurement, and governance to ensure that your L&D function has a clearly articulated purpose and roadmap for the future.
Create a Learning & Development Strategy

This program has been approved for continuing professional development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

McLean & Company is recognized by SHRM and can award Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

HR Certification Institute’s® official seal confirms that McLean & Company meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.
How to complete this course:
Use these videos, along with the Project Blueprint deck above, to gain an understanding of the subject. Start with the Introduction, then move through each of the Course Modules. At the end of each Module, you will be required to complete a short test to demonstrate your understanding. You will complete this course when you have completed all of the course tests.
- Number of Course Modules: 5
- Estimated Completion Time: 1.5 hours
Learning Outcome
Learners will be able to explain the process of creating a Learning & Development strategy, with a focus on creating and implementing a framework that will guide current and future critical learning initiatives.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Recognize the value of having an L&D strategy.
- Learn how to analyze the organization to understand L&D gaps and needs.
- Define the ideal future state of L&D using an L&D framework.
- Create an action plan to implement the L&D framework.
Course Modules

Academy L&D Strategy: Introduction: Create a Learning and Development Strategy

Academy L&D Strategy: Module 1: Analyze Your Organization to Understand L&D Needs

Academy L&D Strategy: Module 2: Define the Ideal Future State of L&D

Academy L&D Strategy: Module 3: Standardize Your Approach for Measurement and Governance

Academy L&D Strategy: Module 4: Create an Action Plan to Implement the L&D Framework
Workshop: Create a Learning and Development Strategy
Workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn't enough, we offer low-cost delivery of our project workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a roadmap in place to complete your project successfully.
Module 1: Define a Vision for L&D
The Purpose
- Define L&D vision.
Key Benefits Achieved
- A vision for the L&D team
Activities
Outputs
Conduct SWOT analysis.
Identify insights for learning.
Create a vision for L&D.
- Vision for L&D
Module 2: Define Objectives and Metrics
The Purpose
- Define objectives and metrics and identify priority learners.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Clear objectives, metrics, and key employee groups identified
Activities
Outputs
Define L&D objectives and identify strategy metrics.
- Objectives and metrics
Review and prioritize employee groups.
- Identified key employee groups
Determine employee profiles and characteristics.
Module 3: Define the L&D Framework
The Purpose
- Define the L&D framework.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Determined primary learning needs, core delivery methods and a developed governance map
Activities
Outputs
Determine primary learning needs.
- Primary learning needs
Select core delivery methods.
- Core delivery methods
Create a governance map.
- Governance map
Module 4: Identify Outcomes and Initiatives
The Purpose
- Identify outcomes and initiatives for L&D programs.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Prioritized initiatives for employee groups
Activities
Outputs
Identify key initiatives.
- Prioritized initiatives to realize L&D framework
Examine learning infrastructure.
Review and confirm the prioritization of initiatives.
Module 5: Develop an Initiative Roadmap
The Purpose
- Develop a high-level roadmap of strategic L&D action items.
Key Benefits Achieved
- A completed roadmap of strategic L&D initiatives
Activities
Outputs
Assess L&D capabilities.
Create a roadmap of strategic L&D action items.
- High-level Gantt chart of L&D initiatives
Create a Learning and Development Strategy FAQ
What is the importance of a learning and development strategy for a company?
A learning and development strategy is important for a company because it helps to align the training and development efforts with the overall goals and objectives of the organization. It also ensures that employees are receiving the necessary training and development to improve their skills and abilities, which can lead to better job performance and career advancement.
How can a training and development process be integrated into a company's overall strategy?
Integrating a training and development process into a company's overall strategy involves identifying the specific areas of development at work that are most important for the company's success, and then creating a plan to address those areas through professional development programs and employee development initiatives. This can include both formal training and informal learning methods.
What are the different types of training and development programs available for employees?
There are many different types of training and development programs available for employees, including on-the-job training, mentoring, coaching, online courses, and workshops. Each program has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right type of program based on the specific needs of the company and the employees.
How can a company measure the impact of learning and development programs?
Measuring the impact of learning and development programs can be done through various methods, such as surveying employees to gather feedback, tracking employee performance before and after training, and comparing the performance of employees who have received training to those who have not.
What are some best practices for creating a successful learning and development plan?
Some best practices for creating a successful learning and development plan include identifying clear goals and objectives, involving employees in the planning process, providing ongoing support and resources, and regularly evaluating and adjusting the plan as needed.
How can remote workers be included in a company's learning and development opportunities?
To include remote workers in a company's learning and development opportunities, it's important to provide them with access to the same training and development programs and resources as on-site employees. This can be done through online training, webinars, and virtual mentoring and coaching programs. Additionally, it is important to provide remote workers with the necessary tools and technology to enable them to participate in learning and development programs.
McLean & Company offers a full range of resources to support organizations with learning and development plans, processes, programs, and strategies. From diagnostic tools to workshops, training, and beyond, we offer the services you need to meet your learning and development goals.Create a Learning and Development Strategy
Transform your learning and development function from reactive to strategic.
Executive Summary
McLean & Company Insight
L&D can’t be all things to all people. It needs to focus on proactively identifying and developing the critical learning needs that will enable the organization to deliver on its strategic objectives.
Situation
- Delivering effective learning and development (L&D) to employees is a key driver of bottom-line results; organizations with strong L&D programs are more profitable, more productive, and have greater customer satisfaction.
- Today, the increased role that individuals play in creating value for organizations makes a focus on L&D even more critical.
Complication
- Organizational leaders remain unsatisfied with the performance of their current L&D functions.
- Employees are leaving organizations because they are not receiving the training and development that they were promised when they were hired.
Solution
- Highly effective HR departments create programs that are deeply aligned with the strategic needs of their organizations. L&D departments need to do the same.
- Involve key stakeholders from the beginning and perform a comprehensive needs analysis to understand the type of support from L&D that would be most valuable.
- Create an L&D framework that details a vision, objectives, primary learning needs, employee groups, core delivery methods, measurement, and governance to ensure that your L&D function has a clearly articulated purpose and roadmap for the future.