Welcome to the Learning Agility blog!

Learning Agility is rapidly becoming the most critical skill for leadership development—and it’s here to stay. But what exactly is Learning Agility, and why does it matter so much?

 

What is Learning Agility?

At its core, Learning Agility is the ability to navigate new experiences, experiment with new behaviors, seek feedback, and make quick adjustments to internalize what you’ve learned—even in unfamiliar situations.

 

How Can Leaders Develop Learning Agility?

The journey starts with the Burke Learning Agility Inventory™, an assessment tool designed to measure individual levels of Learning Agility. Developed by researchers at Columbia University, this tool identifies nine dimensions that collectively drive Learning Agility:

  1. Flexibility: Recognizing when to abandon outdated mindsets or beliefs, adapting to new perspectives, and embracing change.
  2. Speed: Rapidly understanding new situations, identifying what’s working (or not), and acquiring necessary skills or knowledge.
  3. Experimenting: Testing ideas, analyzing results, and comparing approaches to find optimal solutions.
  4. Performance Risk-Taking: Embracing challenges, taking on tasks with uncertain outcomes, and stepping outside comfort zones.
  5. Interpersonal Risk-Taking: Being vulnerable—seeking help, admitting mistakes, addressing errors, and having tough conversations.
  6. Collaborating: Partnering with others to gain fresh perspectives, create interdependent projects, and work collectively toward shared goals.
  7. Information Gathering: Continuously learning through courses, publications, events, and networking opportunities.
  8. Feedback Seeking: Actively soliciting input about performance and progress to stay aligned and improve.
  9. Reflecting: Pausing to evaluate past efforts, identifying successes and areas for improvement, and planning for the future.

 

Who Are We?

We are the Burke Assessments Team, a group of researchers, business leaders, certified consultants, and coaches dedicated to promoting Learning Agility on a global scale. This blog marks the beginning of our journey to share insights on how Learning Agility transforms individuals and organizations.

We address a pressing question in talent management:

“In a rapidly changing business environment, what matters more—intelligence and experience, or the ability to solve problems that have never existed before?”

Our answer: Learning Agility is the differentiator. It separates those who thrive from those who falter in uncertain times.

 

Applying Learning Agility in Talent Management

Here’s how Learning Agility can revolutionize talent management:

  1. Recruitment: Identify the dimensions of Learning Agility that are most critical for specific roles. Use the Burke self-assessment to evaluate candidates. Our AI Coach platform also enables candidates to interpret their Learning Agility results.
  2. Leadership Development: Incorporate both self-assessment and multi-rater tools into programs. Build comprehensive curricula around the nine dimensions, combining individual coaching and group learning experiences.
  3. Coaching Methodology: Utilize the Burke Learning Agility framework as a research-based coaching tool. Our hybrid certification program includes e-learning, individual feedback sessions, and live cohort training.
  4. Personal Development: Offer individuals a simplified course with e-learning modules, coaching sessions, and actionable development plans.
  5. Educational Programs: Use the Burke as a precursor to business or executive education programs. Knowing your Learning Agility level helps maximize Leadership development.

 

Why It Matters

At Burke Assessments, we’re committed to making Learning Agility accessible to anyone motivated to grow. As the workplace evolves, leaders who embrace agility will outpace those who rely on outdated strategies.

Welcome to the Learning Agility blog. Follow this space to explore how Learning Agility can empower individuals and transform organizations.