Did you catch the American biographical film The Founder, which hit box offices earlier this year? That drama, directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc, portrays the story of the creation of McDonald's. The multibillion-dollar fast-food chain also is featured in this issue's Spotlight article.
The McDonald's of today, however, is quite different from the first franchises established in the 1950s. In March 2017, McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook introduced a new global expansion strategy called the Velocity Growth Plan that is "focused on modernizing the overall restaurant experience," writes Pat Galagan. "That includes greater use of technology to enhance the customer experience, and a plan to offer customers the convenience of delivery to their doorsteps through a third-party partnership."
The talent development function at McDonald's, led by Chief Learning Officer Rob Lauber, is a critical partner in this personal hospitality and emerging technology transformation. "My team is working with our digital team on the learning and development requirements for enhancing people's digital capabilities," Lauber explains. "For example, our associates will be prepared to help customers if they have problems with the mobile app or the self-ordering kiosks."
Certainly emerging technologies are changing the nature of work, and McDonald's is one example of a talent development organization adapting to keep up with such change. In an ever-evolving workplace, talent development execs must articulate the value of learning—the topic of this issue's Angst Index—and then communicate your learning initiatives effectively, as described in Hot Topic.
Other topics covered in this issue of CTDO include this argument in Debate: Should organizations or employees take responsibility for career development? In Career Hacks, author Dan Schwartz explains why talent development execs always should play to their strengths, and the Prove It column by David Rock provides brain-based evidence for why having diverse talent pays off.
Thank you for your interest in CTDO magazine, full of essential insight for leaders like you. As always, I'd love to hear your feedback about this issue. What article was your favorite? Which column is most beneficial in helping to inform your role as a talent development executive? Please contact me at any time with your thoughts.
Ann Parker
ATD Community of Practice Manager, Senior Leaders & Executives
aparker@td.org
Read more from CTDO magazine: Essential talent development content for C-suite leaders.
