Here's how you can fit continuing education into a busy leadership schedule.

Don't over complicate it. If you prioritise learning do so. Set the first 15 / 30 minutes of your day aside for learning and Just Do It!

- Build an organic library of great websites, courses, blogs, articles & videos categorized by topic - Subscribe to quality newsletters & keep track of conferences & events in your domain of interest - Nothing like a good set of books by your desk to motivate you. Importantly, set aside time every day to read a book, or something online. I do this every day after lunch, when productivity naturally dips.

Continuing education can fit into a busy leadership schedule by leveraging microlearning and online courses, which offer flexibility to learn in short, manageable segments. Setting aside dedicated time blocks, such as early mornings or during commutes, ensures consistent progress without disrupting daily responsibilities. Additionally, integrating learning goals into professional development plans and using work-related projects as opportunities to apply new skills can enhance both efficiency and effectiveness in ongoing education.

Set SMART Goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve with your continuing education. Are you looking to develop new skills, stay updated on industry trends, or improve your leadership style? Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals will help you focus your learning efforts. Schedule It In: Treat learning like any other crucial meeting. Block time in your calendar for courses, reading, or reflection.

Understand that in this era, continuous learning is the key to stay relevant. If you really want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to prioritise learning. In our busy schedule it will be very difficult to fit the learning schedule , but its possible. I usually take courses which are schedule to have classes on weekend, this way I have ample amount of time to concentrate and not affect office hours. You need to put some time on calendar and block it, so that you have a daily or weekly defined time to learn and not worry about anything else. Even if you feel that you are not getting things done faster, its important to see that small consistent progresses are better in the long run.

Flexibility is Key: Online courses offer the advantage of learning at your own pace and convenience. You can access them during commutes, breaks, or even after work hours. Choose Wisely: Select high-quality courses from reputable institutions or platforms that align with your learning goals.

Podcasts & Audiobooks: Consume valuable content while on the go. Listen to leadership podcasts or audiobooks during your commute, exercise routine, or while doing chores. Learning Apps: Utilize micro-learning apps that offer bite-sized lessons you can squeeze into short breaks throughout the day.

Delegation involves assigning tasks to team members, ensuring that essential responsibilities can be addressed at all times. This approach leverages the strengths of individual team members, helps them develop new skills, and enables the leader to focus on acquiring new competencies. Clear expectations and regular follow-ups are essential to ensure tasks are completed while the leader is learning. Maintaining a balanced workload through effective delegation is crucial for sustaining organizational performance while leaders continue to develop.

Empower Your Team: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to your team members. This not only frees up your time for learning but also empowers your team and fosters their growth. Clear Communication: Ensure clear communication when delegating tasks. Provide your team with all the necessary information and support for successful completion.

Take Time to Breathe: Schedule regular time for reflection. This allows you to assess your progress, identify areas for improvement, and refine your learning strategy. Journaling: Journaling your learnings helps solidify your understanding and identify how you can integrate them into your leadership style.

Micro-learning opportunities: Look for short conferences, workshops, or webinars that offer focused learning experiences. Mentorship: Consider seeking a mentor or joining a mastermind group for peer-to-peer learning and support. Budget for Learning: Allocate a specific budget for your continuing education. This can include course fees, subscriptions to online resources, or even travel to conferences.