There are many reasons to keep learning throughout life. Not only does it keep the mind sharp and stimulate new knowledge, but it also enhances your intelligence and brings genuine enjoyment from mastering new subjects and skills.
However, the need for learning is more urgent than ever. Automation and economic disruption are poised to dramatically reshape the world of work within our lifetime, potentially multiple times. Those who focus narrowly on one skill or discipline may feel the harsh consequences if their industry faces upheaval. It’s simply good business sense to have more than one string to your bow.
In today’s workforce, diverse knowledge equates to greater employability.
As a manager or leader, it’s vital to avoid the common trap of thinking you’ve learned enough. The world is changing rapidly, and if you don’t broaden your abilities and knowledge at the same pace, you risk being left behind. The most compelling argument for continuous learning is this: your professional relevance depends on it.
Let’s explore how you can embark on a learning journey this year, and how to encourage your team to join you.
What courses could you take to boost your skill set? Are there aspects of your leadership role where you’d like to improve? Great leadership is a learned skill, so the more training you receive, the better you’ll become. Is technology leaving you behind? If so, it’s time to catch up, whether through a course on mastering new tools or scheduling time with your IT team for a one-on-one session. How’s your time management? The possibilities for further professional development are endless, so pick something you’re passionate about and dive in!
Consider setting goals for hobbies or leisure activities that interest you. This could be reading a certain number of books in a year, joining a writing club, learning a musical instrument, or trying your hand at carpentry. Perhaps learning a new language is appealing—it’s a great way to boost your employability and sharpen your mind.
Learning doesn’t have to be limited to formal courses. Continuous learning can come from emulating others you respect. Richard Branson, for example, suggests surrounding yourself with people who are better than you in some areas. This might mean finding a mentor, following blogs by thought leaders, or hiring someone overqualified so you can learn from them. Forget the fear that they’ll outshine you—actively seek out high performers and learn from them.
Networking with peers is an excellent way to gain knowledge. Think about your friends and acquaintances in other industries—how much do you know about their work, their challenges, and their companies? Those with a broad understanding across multiple fields tend to be viewed as more intelligent, partly because their conversational skills are stronger.
To gain respect at work and increase your employability, it’s essential to expand your general knowledge. Reading the newspaper (all sections, not just your favourite) or watching the news is a simple way to broaden your understanding of many topics quickly. It’s the easiest method to build knowledge across a range of subjects.
Companies that invest in employee learning see higher productivity and profitability, and their teams remain engaged and well-equipped to handle new challenges. Sit down with each team member and ask what they’d like to learn this year. Help them achieve it. If your training budget is tight, explore cost-effective options like free or low-cost online courses. Alternatively, send a high performer on a course and have them share their learning with the rest of the team.
Post-project analysis is a valuable learning tool. After completing a goal or project, hold a debrief session to discuss what went well and what could be improved. This non-judgmental review process encourages a culture of continuous learning, allowing your team to build on their experiences and improve performance.
People tend to enjoy discussing what they’re learning. Encourage this habit in your team, as it allows knowledge to spread organically through the organisation, generating enthusiasm for continued learning.
With so much information and training available, it’s important to be strategic. Ensure the courses and learning pathways you choose benefit both the individual and the company’s objectives.
Hopefully, these tips have inspired you to pursue your own learning journey this year and to bring your team along with you. Lifelong learning isn’t just a personal asset - it’s a key to your team’s and organisation’s success.
Many thanks,
Alex & The Excel Team
P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.
About Excel Communications
Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.
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