6 Ways to Better Engage in the Workplace - LearningWelcome to the fifth of a series of ways in which employees can take responsibility for their own engagement. As we established in the introductory post, “An Employee’s Guide: 6 Ways to Better Engagement in the Workplace,” employees assume some measure of responsibility for their own engagement. Engagement is a choice.

 

We have already considered mindfulness (awareness), and the importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise. In this post, we will look at the fifth way to better engagement in the workplace: Learning.

 

 

About learning

“Knowledge is the primary source of value in our world today. Your ability to expand your mind and devote yourself to lifelong learning is the key to breaking any success barriers that may be in front of you.”1

‘Learning opportunities are among the largest drivers of employee engagement and strong workplace culture – they are part of the entire employee value proposition, not merely a way to build skills’. – Deloitte2

While companies have a responsibility to provide learning and development opportunities to their employees, it varies by company. Rather than depending solely on your company for your learning needs, there are many learning opportunities of which you can take advantage.

 

 

Benefits

“On a personal level, continuous learning is about the constant expansion of skills and skill-sets through learning and increasing knowledge. As life changes the need to adapt both professionally and personally is as real as the changes themselves.

On a professional level, continuous learning is about further expanding our skill-set in response to a changing environment and new developments. This is very important because we are called to respond to changes daily.” 3

 

 

How can you better focus on learning?

First, we need to consider the advice this series’ previous posts. To get the most out of your learning experiences, you have to be rested, fueled, and healthy. You have to be aware of your learning needs as well.

 

As you begin to focus on learning, consider the following4:

  • When something is not understood, ask for help
  • Observe more experienced employees at work
  • Try new ways of doing things and explore alternative methods
  • Practice what you’ve previously learned

 

To stay current with the latest thinking, information, etc. you can5:

  • Follow influencers and leading companies on social media.
  • Set (Google) alerts.
  • Utilize free, inexpensive learning platforms: Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, GCFLearnFree.org.
  • Consider formal education: MBA, Executive Education Programs, certifications, etc.
  • Attend relevant conferences and seminars in-person and online.
  • Develop a reading habit – start with recommendations from the influencers you follow.

 

 

“Self-help experts suggest several areas, including the study of your current profession and related disciplines, and a study of the English vocabulary. Building your vocabulary is important, because your knowledge of a larger number of words and their meanings is essential to presenting your ideas persuasively. I’d also recommend reading everything you can get your hands on regarding business strategy and innovation. Knowing how to create, evaluate and sell ideas is a must in today’s knowledge-centric economy.”6

 

“In addition to these areas, also make it a point to continue learning more about your hobbies or other personal interests. They add an important dimension to our lives outside of work, and shouldn’t be neglected.” 7

 

 

The role learning plays in engagement

“The more we’re able to know and the more skills we acquire, the more value we can offer to our employers, friends and families. And that places us in an upward spiral of growing income and emotional well being. Well-known business author and change agent Tom Peters calls it cultivating “towering competence” — becoming the very best at what you do, by continuing to learn and hone your skills and capabilities to the point where they become highly regarded and sought after by your coworkers and professional peers.

 

Continuous learning means we’re keeping the “raw material pile” of our brain freshly stocked, which enables us to come up with more and better ideas and innovations — which every business needs today. New ideas and solutions are a primary way you can add value to your job, and therefore increase your success.” 8

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on learning? In what ways do you incorporate learning into your development?

 

 

 

1 Tracy, Brian. “Discover the Importance of Lifelong Learning.” Brian Tracy. Brian Tracy International, 2016. Web. 30 June 2016.
2 Greany, Kirstie. “Seven Ways That Learning and Development Can Foster Employee Engagement – Engage Employee.” Engage Employee. Engage Business Media, 22 Apr. 2016. Web. 30 June 2016.
3 “Continuous Learning.” TalentLMS. Epignosis LLC., n.d. Web. 30 June 2016.
4 Ibid.
5 Sevinsky, Mary Sherwood. “Build Your Skills And Expertise Outside Of Work.” CAREEREALISM. CAREEREALISM, 18 June 2016. Web. 30 June 2016.
6 “Continuous Learning: An Essential Strategy for Your Personal Success | Innovation Management.” Innovation Management. InnovationManagement.se, n.d. Web. 30 June 2016.
7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.

 

 

 

Let’s Engage!

I’m Agent in Engagement Simpson…Gregory F Simpson.

Employee engagement is a critical mission. I hope I can count on your help! Subscribe to the RSS Feed to receive the latest intelligence/insights and/or register to make entries in the comments log.

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Learn more about me at gregoryfsimpson.com.

 

P.S.  First contact? Welcome to the Agent In Engagement community. Explore and join fellow employee engagement operatives in targeting a known thief – alias: Disengagement. Together we can bring this thief to justice and make the world a better place for all companies and their employees.

Other recent Agent in Engagement data/reports by Agent Gregory F Simpson: