Always Be Learning: It's a Nice Idea if We Actually Do It

The subject of lifelong learning is hardly a new one, but over the past week it has popped up on my radar again. I recently posted an article about some coaching I do with people over fifty years old. In a number of the comments that people left was a reference to the need to stay, “current”. It’s interesting that I do hear some clients express concern about staying on top of things. However, it’s just not with those over fifty, it’s with all age groups. 

Then last week I read this article by Ian Altman in Forbes titled, The Most Successful People In Business Do This. The subject focused on the concept of, "always be learning", no matter what stage of your career you are in.   

UPDATED: September 28, 2017 to include this free video:

I’ve always felt that learning new ideas or processes by reading a book or taking a course was a great way for me to improve my skills. The problem is that I often find an excuse to postpone a class or just say I’m going to get to it, “next week”.  So, I’m far from being the role model for life-long learning, but I did take a look at some of the things I’ve been trying to do or at least think about doing to help me stay current.

A great idea I read a few years ago was to create your own personal training budget. The theory being to invest in yourself.

We would all love to have $1000’s of dollars for a personal training budget, but being realistic it would be great if we could each set aside a few hundred dollars. Here are some of the ways I'd spend it.

Books:  I’ve always felt that an investment in a book pays dividends. For $15-$20, if you pick up four or five new ideas then that’s a great payback. I get leads for what to buy from many places and even from lists people post on here. For example, I follow a guy named @BrandonRelinger who has a monthly list of sales and marketing books he likes. Book List. If you want two ideas from my recent reading I’d include @MarkCrowley ’s, Lead From the Heart and @PatrickLencioni ’s, The Ideal Team Player.

Webinars: I love the quick online approach of a webinar. Some are free and some are hooks to get you to buy a service later on so I’m cautious to make sure I know what I'm signing up for.

Seminars: I like the direct interaction with other people so I am on the lookout for good seminars to attend. Candidly, I’ve not been as successful with this because some seem to get pricey.

University and Community Colleges: There are two routes with this: 1. If you live near a school you really should be on their mailing list to take advantage of guest lectures and special events. 2. The more expensive route is to enroll in classes. Keep your eye out for continuing education since those are priced much less costly. I have really loved doing this as the energy in the classroom is contagious.

Your Company: Many companies offer reimbursement programs for courses you take to enhance your skills. I could really kick myself for not taking advantage of this more often through the years. My excuse was always finding the time given my business travel. 

LinkedIn Learning: Two weeks ago I read this post by @ArunJay called. “My #Top5Courses on LinkedIn Learning"

Below the headline was the hashtag #AlwaysBeLearning

There are some really great courses available and I think it is well worth your time to investigate it more. Many companies, local libraries or the college you attend may provide you with free access. If not, LinkedIn Learning often has a free trial offer or you can sign up for $20 a month. (Full disclosure, I've got a few courses on there, too) Here are a few I've just watched in the past two weeks.

@ChrisCroft 's latest about Meetings is great and his engaging personality resonates throughout.

Communicating with Empathy is a subject I really believe in and this course by @SharonSteed is great.

@BillGeorge is a best-selling author, former CEO, and Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School. His take on Authenticity and Leadership is well worth your time.

I loved the quick, 30-60 second, approach in this handy reference for Excel Tips! 

LinkedIn Groups This is something that I hadn’t taken advantage of until about a year ago. Check out the list of groups you can join.  I've learned not to be in too many and leave those groups that didn't meet my expectations. There are some great discussions in many of them and I’ve learned a more than a few new ideas.

We all see the world changing so quickly right in front of us whether it is with new technology or new concepts in each of our industries.

It is our responsibility to stay on top of these developments, the new ideas, the latest thinking, as there is always something new to learn and ways for us to improve.

Educating ourselves never stops. What other ideas do you have?

Dean Karrel is a career and executive coach and a LinkedIn Learning course author. Dean has worked in sales management and leadership positions for a number of major global publishing companies.

#LinkedInLearning