Presentation by @deborahrippol at the Buffer Retreat in Madrid (February 2017).

1. Learning &
Development at Buffer

2. 1. Yes, but why?
2. Our approach
3. Conclusions
4. Applying insights
5. Q&A

3. 1. Yes, but why?
2. Our approach
3. Conclusions
4. Applying insights
5. Q&A

5. “How can we encourage and amplify
the personal & professional growth
that team members experience at
Buffer?”

6. 1. Yes, but why?
2. Our approach
3. Conclusions
4. Applying insights
5. Q&A
What do we want to
learn?
What do we
think we know?
What are we
learning?
How can we
apply that?

7. What are the ingredients for a successful
Learning & Development environment?
What are we talking about with “Learning &
Development”?
How can Buffer better support team members
with their growth?

8. 1. Yes, but why?
2. Our approach
3. Conclusions
4. Applying insights
5. Q&A
What are the
ingredients for a
successful Learning &
Development
environment?
What are we talking
about with “Learning &
Development”?
How can Buffer better
support team members
with their growth?

9. What are we talking about with
Learning & Development?
Core Training
“On the job” learning, training
of core skills, experience levels
growth, area training, deepening
expertise in one’s domain
Stretch Learning
Outside of the role’s scope,
bridging gaps between
departments, change careers,
better general context
Holistic Development
Personal development, happier
living, self-discovery, life
curiosity, thirst for explorations,
more well-rounded individual

10. What are the ingredients for a successful
Learning & Development environment?
✔ Self-drive and proactive attitude
✔ Curiosity around the topic being learnt
✔ Perceived need from Buffer
✔ Courage/Trust/Encouragement from the manager
✔ Concrete application of the learnings internally
✔ External recognition of progress & accountability
✔ Time allocated to learning / prioritising
✔ Resources ($, structure and content)
✔ Mentoring (internal & from the outside)

11. What more have we learnt?

12. 1. Yes, but why?
2. Our approach
3. Conclusions
4. Applying
insights
5. Q&A
Learning club
Resources
Community
reinforcement