The world of work is changing rapidly. It’s common for professionals to be expected to do more with fewer resources. This only fuels stress and feelings of overwhelm.
Not only do you need to perform tasks on hand, but you also need to equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to sustain your career, advance your career and improve your work performance. When you feel too busy to upgrade your skills, how do you make time to learn at work?
Continuous learning impacts your employability. It is essential to show employers your willingness to stay updated or even ahead of trends. Your ability to think critically, be agile from learning and consistently apply what you learn is critical in a constantly changing economy.
In this article, you will discover how to learn at work effectively:
1. Identify Your Learning Goals
Here are a few questions to help you think about your learning goals:
- Why do you want to learn?
- What do you want to learn?
- What’s the motivation behind your learning?
- What knowledge or skills can help advance your career?
- What knowledge or skills can help enhance your work performance?
- What do you need in order to grow in your career and as a person?
Consider feedback or comments from your peers, managers, and stakeholders. There is no limit on what you can learn. The learning can range from technical skills to interpersonal skills.
2. Take Concrete Action
You need to take control. If you’re not invested in your own learning, no one else will be. This means you’ll need to take steps to realize your learning.
Taking action comes in different forms for different learners. For example, asking your manager to be considered for a project or seeking advice from your mentor.
Take the initiative. When you show others’ that you’re a continuous and willing learner, they will likely see your growth and be more likely to invest their time and resources in you.
3. Make Learning a Habit
Set realistic and achievable learning goals. Select one to a maximum of three learning goals.
Commit to your goal like you would to eating healthy foods or exercise. You may want to find an accountability partner or inform your manager so that you have a supportive network to keep you on track.
Take a look at this article and learn how to do so: How to Develop a Lifelong Learning Habit
