As a manager, you need to keep up with the latest skills and trends in your field. But how do you find the time and resources to learn new things and apply them to your work? Here are some tips to help you develop a strategy for learning new management skills and trends.
The first step is to identify your learning goals and gaps. What are the skills and knowledge that you need to improve or acquire to perform better in your role, meet your objectives, and advance your career? You can use various tools and methods to assess your needs, such as self-evaluation, feedback, performance reviews, competency frameworks, or online quizzes.
Goal-setting means you can focus your time and resources more efficiently. Importantly, by regularly referring to your learning goals, you will gain motivation when you may lack motivation or simply want to give up.
The next step is to find the best sources of information and learning for your needs. There are many options available, such as books, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, courses, webinars, workshops, mentors, coaches, peers, or networks. You can also use online platforms and communities that offer curated and relevant content and opportunities for learning and networking. Choose the sources that match your learning style, preferences, budget, and availability.
The third step is to schedule your learning activities and allocate time for them. You can use a calendar, a planner, or an app to organize your learning plan and track your progress. You can also set reminders, deadlines, or milestones to keep yourself accountable and motivated. Try to find a balance between your learning time and your work time, and avoid distractions and interruptions when you are learning.
The fourth step is to put your learning into practice and apply it to your work. You can use various strategies to reinforce and transfer your learning, such as taking notes, summarizing, reviewing, reflecting, teaching, or sharing. You can also seek feedback, support, or guidance from others who can help you improve your skills and performance. You can also measure the impact of your learning on your results and outcomes.
Ebbinghaus's Forgetting Curve reminds us that learning something new will slip out of your memory over time – unless you take action to keep it there by applying it to your work, ideally as soon as possible. It's also easier to remember things that have meaning, which links back to the importance of having a learning goal to start with.
The fifth step is to review and update your skills and knowledge regularly. You can use various tools and methods to evaluate your learning outcomes and identify new needs or gaps. You can also follow the latest trends and developments in your field and industry, and adapt your skills and strategies accordingly. You can also seek new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow as a manager.
The last step is to celebrate your achievements and reward yourself for your learning efforts. You can use various ways to acknowledge and appreciate your progress and success, such as certificates, badges, recognition, feedback, or rewards. You can also share your achievements with others who can celebrate with you and inspire you to keep learning. You can also reflect on your learning journey and identify the benefits and value of your learning for yourself and others.