Larry displayed his first slide, "the first goal of our team will be to create a learning strategy for the organisation." The finance director interrupted with a multiple question, "what is a learning strategy and why do we need one?" Larry confidently moved to the next slide which showed a description of a learning strategy and started talking. "A learning strategy is an action plan that outlines how learning and development will support the organisation to achieve it's goals. The objective of the strategy is to align learning and development activities with the organisation's strategic priorities. So instead of us deciding what training we think the organisation needs, we will first understand what the priorities of the organisation are and then focus on delivering learning interventions that support the achievement of those priorities." The finance director nodded in agreement. At this point Larry didn't think he needed his presentation anymore. He started to speak without referring to it. "The benefits of having a learning strategy are that, firstly it ensures we are truly focusing learning on what is important to the organisation and, secondly it reduces waste, because we are less likely to spend money on learning programmes that are unnecessary. More so I think it's good practice. We as an organisation have a business strategy that aligns with our organisation goals and vision. I think it is right that the learning and development team has a strategy that aligns with the organisation's business strategy." The chief executive asked, "how long will it take you to create the learning strategy?" "A month," answered Larry. "And what do you need to create it?" He asked again. "The most important thing we need is to speak to you, the leadership team to understand what our strategic priorities are. It would be really useful if I could meet with you as a single group." "Actually we have a free hour before the board meeting tomorrow, if that is okay with everyone we can meet with Larry," said the chief executive." They all agreed that was okay and told Larry he had an hour with them tomorrow at 5pm. Larry thought the presentation had gone well, they didn't ask too many questions, but he was able to tell them his plan and why it was important. No doubt the planning had worked well for him.