Leadership Tip

How to become a better learner at work

Research has found that learning agility - the ability to grow and to use new strategies - is a good indicator of whether someone can be a high performer. Learning-agile employees are able to jettison skills and ideas that are no longer relevant and learn new ones that are. To cultivate learning agility in yourself, try:

  1. Innovating. Seek out new solutions. Repeatedly ask yourself "What else?" and "What are more ways I could approach this?"
     
  2. Performing. When faced with complex situations, look for similarities to your past projects. Practice calming techniques, and listen instead of simply reacting.
     
  3. Reflecting. Seek out input from others. Ask colleagues what you could have done better.
     
  4. Risking. Look for "stretch assignments" where success isn’t a given.
     
  5. Avoid defending. Acknowledge your failures and capture the lessons you’ve learned.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from Improve Your Ability to Learn by J.P. Flaum and Becky Winkler. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.


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