Stop Chasing Learning Fads: Let's Make Knowledge *Actually* Stick!
Ever feel like the world of work is moving at warp speed, and you're just trying to tie your shoelaces? New tech, new skills, new buzzwords – it's a never-ending buffet of things you should be learning. And let's be honest, sometimes those big company-wide learning initiatives feel a bit like a New Year's resolution: super exciting for about a week, then… poof! Gone with the wind.
Well, guess what? It doesn't have to be that way! The secret isn't just offering learning; it's about making learning a natural, everyday part of life, like your morning coffee or that quick scroll through cat videos (don't lie, we all do it!). It's about building a continuous learning culture that actually sticks to your ribs!
So, how do we ditch the "learning fad" cycle and build something lasting?
1. Bosses, Lead the Charge (and Don't Just Talk About It!)
Imagine your leader saying, "Learning is important!" but then never taking a course, reading an article, or mentioning anything new they've learned. Kinda rings hollow, right? For learning to truly stick, the folks at the top need to be the biggest cheerleaders and participants. They need to show, not just tell, that learning is valued and essential. When leaders are visibly curious and growing, it signals to everyone else: "This is how we do things around here!"
2. Make Learning a Snack, Not a Feast
Who has time for a three-day intensive seminar every month? Most of us are juggling more balls than a circus performer. The key is to break learning down into bite-sized, digestible pieces. Think micro-lessons, short videos, quick articles, or even a five-minute chat with a colleague. Integrate learning into the flow of work, so it feels less like an extra chore and more like a helpful pit stop on the highway of productivity. Learning should be something you can grab quickly, apply instantly, and move on.
3. Connect the Dots: "What's In It For Me?"
Nobody wants to learn just for the sake of learning (unless you're a super rare unicorn, in which case, high five!). People need to see how a new skill or piece of knowledge directly impacts their job, their career growth, or even just makes their day-to-day tasks easier. Show them the tangible benefits, whether it's saving time, boosting creativity, or opening up new opportunities. When learning is clearly linked to personal and professional success, engagement skyrockets!
4. Create a "Safe Space" for Stumbles and "Aha!" Moments
Let's face it, learning often involves trying new things, making mistakes, and asking "silly" questions. If your workplace feels like a pressure cooker where failure isn't an option, people will shy away from anything new. A truly sticky learning culture is one where people feel safe to experiment, ask for help, and even mess up a little, knowing it's all part of the growth process. Encourage curiosity, celebrate efforts (not just perfect outcomes!), and foster an environment where "I don't know, but I'll find out!" is a badge of honor.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins!
Remember when you learned to ride a bike? Your parents probably didn't wait until you won the Tour de France to cheer you on. They cheered when you balanced for three seconds, then when you pedaled across the yard. Do the same for learning! Acknowledge when someone masters a new software feature, shares a new insight, or successfully applies a new skill. These little celebrations build momentum and reinforce the idea that learning is a continuous, rewarding journey, not just a destination.
Building a truly continuous learning culture isn't about throwing money at the latest LMS (Learning Management System). It's about fundamentally changing how we approach growth in the workplace, making it woven into the very fabric of daily operations. It's about making learning as natural and necessary as breathing. So, let's stop chasing the fads and start building habits that stick!
Inspired by: https://www.chieflearningofficer.com/event/creating-continuous-learning-cultures-that-actually-stick/