Are you really ready for a Learning Strategy? Here’s the question most businesses forget to ask

If you’re a small or mid-sized business leader, chances are you’ve thought about investing in learning and development. Maybe you’ve even started piecing together a few workshops, subscribed to a course platform, or created a list of “training priorities.”

But here’s the thing: Training isn’t the same as strategy.

One of the most overlooked questions in organizational learning is not what to train or even how to train—it’s whether you’re building the right foundation for learning in the first place. Before you dive into content, platforms, or competencies, you need to ask: Is our business actually ready to learn?

That’s the heart of what I explore in Chapter 3 of my new e-book “The Power of Fractional Learning & Development: From Random Acts of Learning to Purposeful Engagement” —but instead of giving away the chapter, let’s zoom in on a single idea that might just shift your whole approach:

The Invisible Barrier to Learning

Many businesses attempt to “bolt on” learning programs as a solution to performance gaps, disengagement, or operational complexity. But if your culture isn’t primed for growth—if learning is seen as a luxury, a burden, or worse, a punishment—no amount of content will move the needle.

Before you invest in courses or consultants, it’s worth pausing to reflect on whether your team has the clarity, trust, and psychological safety to support real growth.

Ask yourself:

• Do our people know why learning matters here?

• Do leaders model curiosity and self-improvement?

• Are mistakes treated as learning opportunities—or liabilities?

If not, your strategy isn’t a strategy—it’s a wishlist.

The Real Work of Readiness

Chapter 3 lays out a practical framework for assessing (and building) learning readiness, tailored specifically for small to mid-sized organizations. It’s one of the most powerful—yet often skipped—parts of the learning journey.

And here’s the truth: businesses that do this work first build better strategies, stronger teams, and experience real, lasting impact from their learning investments.

Curious? That’s exactly what the e-book was written for.

 Get your copy of the e-book (Amazon Kindle) here to explore how you can build a learning strategy that actually sticks—and starts with the right foundation.  Need a different format? Click here for all other e-book platforms.

Want to just jump right in? Contact Kirsten at Tairo Consulting today.