Creative problem-solving isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a mindset and a competitive advantage that thrives when teams are given safety, space, and permission to experiment.
The Skills Edition
Summer 2025
Features This Issue
Upskilling is more critical than ever, yet most employees feel underprepared and unsupported—creating a vital opportunity for L&D leaders to close the gap and build a future-ready workforce.
Skill data helps organizations improve learning and measure skill development impact.
Fear and discomfort often prevent open dialogue, but creating psychological safety encourages courageous conversations that strengthen relationships and boost performance.
With employee engagement at a 10-year low, strengthening soft skills like active listening and feedback can help L&D leaders rebuild connection, improve performance, and boost retention.
To build an effective skills development strategy, we must define a clear scope, engage employees in the process, and use science-backed methods to drive real behavior change.
6 Aug 202511:00 am ET
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, viewing challenges and failures as opportunities to improve.
Callout
Training Industry Magazine
Best practices for developing effective training programs.
Thought Leaders This Issue
Skills training only succeeds when workplace culture, power dynamics, and team trust support real-world application and growth.
Courageous conversations combine the courage to face challenges with open, respectful dialogue that fosters understanding and connection.
Skills training often fails because it overlooks the unconscious mindset shifts that truly drive learning and development.
Skills development is about preparing a workforce to adapt and grow in a changing world.
In this issue, we spotlight Lauren Olson, Ulta Beauty’s senior training manager, sharing insights from her 20-year L&D career.
L&D professionals must blend digital skills with core strengths to stay relevant and drive impact.
Career agency lets employees shape their growth through flexible, real-time choices in today’s changing work environment.
Skills are not just an HR concern—they are core business intelligence that can drive agility, performance, and strategic growth across the organization.
Info Exchanges This Issue
Despite economic uncertainty, leadership development remains a top priority as providers evolve to meet growing demand.
Manufacturing training is evolving as leaders embrace simple, digital tools to meet employee expectations and close critical knowledge gaps.
Self-reflection enables leaders to recognize their impact on team success and challenges, fostering growth, accountability, and stronger workplace trust.
Even well-designed programs fail when they ignore competency mapping, leaving professionals under-equipped for role-specific communication.
Corken Steel’s transformation into a 100% employee-owned company underscores its core belief that empowering people is key to long-term success.
Feedback can be hard to hear no matter how kindly it’s given, but it remains a crucial gift for personal and professional growth.
Stay up to date on the latest articles, webinars and resources for learning and development.