Process to Overcome Barriers

Some barriers to learning that currently take place in parts of my institution include:

1. Managers may not be willing to provide learning opportunities in a learning environment in order to allow employees the opportunities to learn and innovate. 
2. Managers may just focus on getting the work done and not allow for exploration and experimentation. 
3. Employees may not be working in an environment that allows for great ideas to get to the top. 
4. Employees may not be working in a psychologically safe environment. 
5. If it ain't broke, don't fix it - laissez faire attitude of managers. 

This is not to say that the senior leaders of the College are all engaged in these barriers. But some are and this is not a reflection of the president's view of learning. He works very hard to provide a psychologically safe environment for all of the employees at the College. The challenge is getting everyone (management) on board. The president models an inclusive and innovative environment but some of his senior leaders struggle with this concept as they feel they need to keep their area secured by lines (silos).

Learning must occur at all levels for the learning environment to succeed. Our industry is constantly changing and we need to be able to reflect, review, renew and grow in order to remain competitive. In a learning environment, managers and leaders can work hand in hand to enable employees the opportunity to "expand their capacity," nurture their thinking, and learn together. This opens up doors for new ways to approach outdated processes and systems in a collaborative environment. 

Garvin's litmus test should be applied to most organizations in search of providing or creating a learning environment.  This process will help provide the answers to questions they may have but also introduces ways to implement them. Gathering intelligence, search, inquiry and observation are ways in which organizations can develop a shared vision. 

References

Garvin, D.A. (2000). Learning in Action: A Guide to Putting the Learning Organization to Work.  Boston: MA. Harvard Business School Press. Chapter 1, pg. 5.