Organisation vs Learning and Development - Same Same but Different
Inspired by conversations with mates and peers Kurt Lindley and Shane Halifax. We were brainstorming the next event for the '#LnD Gathering. Even though established in our fields and bringing several decades of international experience in organisation, learning and development between us, we had much in common, but were still speaking different languages.
Trying to make sense of this, my thoughts went back to ‘same same but different’. I’d heard this a lot whilst travelling around South East Asia in the mid-90s. Now an established catchphrase, it refers to things that are similar in many ways, but there are still differences. At the time, it was to try and persuade me to stay at an alternative hotel, take a guided tour with lots of extra (aka unwanted) stops or occasionally buy a (sort of) designer handbag.
Since then, I’ve used it to build bridges and find common ground. Having worked in Learning and Development and held senior-level roles, my education and experience has focused on Organisation Development. There’s lots of similarities; eg, both aim to improve performance and increase effectiveness. However, L&D works at individual level to build skills and capability in specific topics, whereas Org Dev applies at system level to shape culture and influence engagement. Both make a difference when it’s unclear, complicated and even messy.
Although focusing on these differences may make sense to people professionals, ultimately, clients are looking at us for support: Helping them understand what’s going on, and (preferably) applying our expertise to make their problem go away.
That’s where the '#LnD Gathering comes into its own.
Join us to explore ‘same same but different’ together. As usual, it will be a valuable opportunity to connect with others working in and around learning, leadership, coaching, facilitation, OD, HR and people development. It will NOT be a day packed with polished presentations. Instead, we’ll be experimenting with a more community-led format, inspired by ideas from Open Space and Kgotla creating space for people to bring the questions, conversations and decisions that matter most to them. As always, there will be time for good conversations, useful connections and unexpected moments of insight. See you there!
To find out more and even better – sign up via Eventbrite: '#LnD Gathering – South Yorkshire on 29 September 2026 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lndgathering-south-yorkshire-tickets-1992912531028
#Inspired #LnDGathering #OpenSpace #Kgotla #Learning&Development #OrganisationDevelopment #AppliedBehaviouralScience #Network #Creative
Image courtesy of https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/202802789466363629/
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