Fundamentals Count

For any career, learning the basics of success is analogous to an infant discovering the world—a newborn facing the challenge of making sense of sights and sounds. 

Slow but Sure 

Most of what babies hear is gibberish until they can incorporate what they hear into the structure of language. Until babies slowly begin to form words, what they utter is nonsense to others. Words such as "mama" (single syllables repeated) are babies’ first words. Later, babies tries more complex polysyllabic words.

Babies eat strained peaches, pears, plums, and other mush. As they develop teeth, babies can eat more solid and complex foods. Babies play with simple toys (often brightly colored, washable, child-safe, and durable) that they can hit, bang, or simply touch.

In essence, babies steadily draw on basic skills. They start walking by first leaning on the side of a couch or whatever else is available. In time, babies take a step, and finally walk across the living room without help. Even then, babies fall many times, but they get up and usually begin again optimistically.  

Follow the Basics

Similarly, tackling new information, integrating technology into your work routine, or assimilating other change is smoother when you employ basics. So, what are the basics of any career? 

• Follow directions.

• Take one step at a time.

• Assess where you are every couple of steps.

• Determine that you're on the right path.

• Measure your progress.

• Practice.

• Develop a new routine. 

Specifically in the field of talent development, the basics follow The ATD Competency Model, which defines the knowledge and skills needed for success “across the entire training and development industry.” In all, there are 10 components to the model. In no particular order, they include: 

• change management

• performance improvement

• instructional design

• training delivery

• learning technologies

• evaluation evaluating learning impact

• managing learning programs

• integrated talent management

• knowledge management

• coaching.

A Grand Quest

It behooves each of us, every day, to become a little better in a least one of the components. In doing so, as time passes, we could awake one fine morning to realize that our overall level of competency has risen to the point where we are among the best of industry professionals.

Please share your L&D "fundamentals" in the Comments below.