One of the most important work-life skills is the ability to learn continuously. The accelerated pace of change in the work environment introduces new systems, solutions, operational models, and ways of working. How do you maintain your expertise in a changing environment?
The world changes, and with it, the tools, technologies, and the need for skills. In the midst of change, life-long learning becomes an increasingly important work-life skill. However, learning is not a separate activity that can be completed; it is about changing our entire mindset – how life-long learning is an integral part of our everyday work.
Expertise in your field and developing it is a big part of learning. But learning is no longer just about deeply absorbing one thing; it is fragmented – and knowledge accumulates from smaller streams. Learning also occurs through things that at first may seem irrelevant to one's work.
Do You Have to Know Everything? Start Learning from Your Interests
People are motivated by things that interest them. A positive cycle arises: when something interests you, you seek information about it. As you gain information, you want to know even more about the subject. Prioritization and self-awareness help identify the things that awaken the desire to learn more. Therefore, first focus on the things that most benefit and interest you and your job description.
Understanding your own learning style makes it easier to absorb new things in the workplace. Some learn by listening, some from books, and some through examples. So consider what type of learner you are!
However, at work, you do not always get to do what you want or what amuses you at the moment. This does not mean that you cannot discuss your job description and the time spent learning. A good company always wants to develop its employees. So, in development discussions, bring up what interests you most and in which direction you hope to develop – and what learning it may require.
Do You Have to Keep Learning New Things to Get By? Remember Invisible Growth
The demands for life-long learning, change, and flexibility can be exhausting. Do you have to constantly learn new things and shed your skin yearly in the workplace to get by? Of course not. No one is an expert in all fields. So throw away any unnecessary pressures for perfection. In addition to prioritization, being kind to yourself is key to coping at work, as you will eventually burn out by performing non-stop.
Learning can also be invisible growth that happens alongside everyday life. We usually learn best from each other. In teamwork, everyone has their strengths and knowledge. Learning through a colleague is very valuable because tacit knowledge can be beneficial. Knowledge gathered from the company and everyday life, its absorption, and sharing increase one's and others' knowledge bank. So be inspired by your colleagues
Life-long learning Does Not Mean Striving for a Career Pipeline
Life-long learning and development do not mean that you should always be on the lookout for more demanding tasks or leadership positions. Many want to develop linearly and deepen their current expertise by learning as much as possible about it.
You can deepen your knowledge through peer mentoring, which can provide a wealth of new information and skills. Another option to gain new skills is to try a short job rotation within the company. Job rotation, where possible, can also be a good way to get some distance and refreshment from your tasks. Returning to your familiar tasks after a job rotation also brings new energy.
Sometimes more traditional ways of learning, such as courses, seminars, and further training, are very useful. In these environments, you get the latest information from your field, meet new colleagues and more experienced professionals. Training can also break away from the daily grind and provide a lot of additional energy and inspiration.
Tips to remember about life-long learning
- Life-long learning is a holistic mindset.
- Learn more about the things that interest you. A positive vicious cycle encourages you to learn more!
- Kindness. You don't need to know everything. Prioritize the things you want to know more about!
- Consider what your learning style is. Do you learn by listening, through examples, or from books?
- Learning happens not only in courses and seminars but also in everyday work: listen and learn from colleagues, be inspired by the experts in your company!
- Open a discussion about your own direction: in development discussions, you can talk about what you would like to learn next.
These tips were provided by Barona's career coach and supervisor Erja Karhinen, who helps people find new careers and supports them in work-life and crisis situations. She specializes particularly in psychological endurance.