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LEADERSHIP REIMALEADERSHIP REIMAGINED WHIGINED WHITEPTEPAPER | APER | 2323 Online training is still the most popular Steve also highlights the value of practising training method, according to the survey learning in a secure setting, a hallmark of results. A greater proportion of individual AIM’s in-person and virtual course offerings. workers are doing on-the-job training than “With our courses, participants can learn mid-level and senior managers. In the latter new skills in a safe environment with group, conferences and seminars emerged as an experienced facilitator. Students are the second most favoured training method. encouraged to step out of their comfort Considering the pivotal role of management zones in a safe and supportive atmosphere. and leadership in organisational success, This helps them gain con昀椀dence as they shifting the focus from conferences and explore new skills.” seminars to ongoing, targeted education for senior and mid-level managers may be of Learning that underpins strategic bene昀椀t. This emphasis on continuing people, planet, and pro昀椀t education, rather than traditional professional One area organisations may need to development, acknowledges that managers increase their L&D spend on is diversity, and leaders must also adapt to the rapidly equity, and inclusion (DE&I) training. changing skill sets required in the future of Only 39% of Australian HR professionals work. say their companies require managers to 41 Nonetheless, according to Steve Smith, this undergo DE&I training . doesn’t mean focusing exclusively on formal However, according to a separate survey, education training methods. 41% of respondents considered employee “It’s not necessarily about suddenly wellbeing the primary business case for 42 dedicating huge amounts of L&D time to DE&I . And as we discussed in Chapter being in a classroom. It’s really important Two, employee engagement is vital to to start with a foundation that is practical in organisational success. nature and not just theory,” he says. In the next chapter, we’ll explore key trends “While theory certainly has its place, it can in DE&I and also take a closer look at another be incredibly bene昀椀cial to jump into hands- critical area for Australia’s leaders and on experiences to start practising what managers: environmental sustainability. we’ve learned.” 41 The State of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Australian Workplaces, 2023, Australian HR Institute, 42 Global Blueprint for Belonging and Diversity, 2022, Workday