Weathering the anti-cyclonic gloom of the November L&D outlook

Looking out of the window in the UK at this time of year, everything feels dull and gloomy. Daylight is scarce, visibility is poor, and the atmosphere seems stuck in perma-gloom. In many ways, this grey outlook mirrors the broader view of learning and development right now.

We are in the grip of a “polycrisis” - from the climate crisis to wars, economic uncertainty, and political shocks. “Business as usual” is anything but. Collective uncertainty seems to be creating a “wait and see” approach across L&D, leading to the inevitable hardening, freezing, or cutting of budgets. Conversations with clients reveal a sense of pause as organisations try to gain a clearer sense of what’s coming next before making potentially tough business decisions.

Unfortunately, this hesitation in decision-making could worsen the economic outlook, which relies on stability to thrive.

If you’re a senior L&D leader looking to navigate these turbulent times, here are some thoughts on how to stay resilient and supportive.

1. Support your people – If there’s one thing you can do right now, it’s listening. When budgets are tight and external coaching might be out of reach, leverage your internal coaching resources. Your in-house coaches likely need your sponsorship and support as they juggle coaching with their day-to-day responsibilities. Ensure that these coaches are also supported, with adequate supervision for their practice. As many organisations restructure, consider the impact on your people and how L&D can play a supportive role. L&D professionals are naturally equipped to provide this support, and now is the time to lean into that strength.
2. Have difficult conversations early – When tough decisions are on the horizon, having honest conversations sooner rather than later can lead to better outcomes. Early discussions allow more time for reflection and a fuller understanding of options. On the other hand, delaying these conversations too long could result in missed opportunities or rushed decisions.
3. Tidy your cupboards – metaphorically, at least. Take a look back at the work your team has delivered. What evidence can you provide of the impact? Follow up on people who have engaged with your L&D programmes. What changes have you observed in those who had access to learning versus those who didn’t? Take stock of the data you already collect and ensure it’s being used to support renewed action.
4. Negotiate with suppliers – If budget cuts are necessary, open up conversations with suppliers. There may be compromises that work for both sides, enabling everyone to achieve the best possible outcomes.
5. Energy follows thought – Take care of yourself and your immediate team. It’s easy to get caught in a collective doom-loop driven by the news, economic outlooks, and social media. The law of attraction suggests that what we focus on grows, so cultivating resilience and finding ways to thrive during unsettling times is an invaluable skill for you and those around you. Take time to get outside, boost your Vitamin D, and take an extra 15 minutes for yourself. Self-kindness is key.

Recently, we at AoEC took part in a sponsored walk - a full day spent walking together with no business agenda. Not everyone could participate, but as part of our CSR programme, the shared experience went beyond those directly involved. This collective time together strengthened team spirit and created a sense of shared achievement.

Ultimately, holding onto the idea that “energy follows thought” requires steadiness and a belief that “this too shall pass.” Looking out the window again, I see a hint of blue sky - just enough to make a pair of sailor’s trousers.

With grateful thanks to my colleague and friend Kay Young for sharing this poem.

Birdsong

If you find your attention being pulled
by the sound of birdsong, let yourself
be pulled. And then, no matter how hurried
you think you are, stop
whatever you're doing

and listen.

Listen as if this moment is all there is,
as if every answer to every question you have ever asked
rests in the rhythm of inhale and exhale.

Listen as if one day you will run out of time to listen.

Listen until you are so full of song
you can't help but sprinkle it like seed to every
hungry heart. And when bird lifts her wings
to fly, go, please –

go fly with her.

Julia Fehrenbacher, from Staying in Love

P.S. I believe you can fly!