Career Transition: The Importance of Training in a New Job - Part 2

In the first part of this article, we explored two advantages of undergoing training in a new role or career, along with the practical aspects of on-the-job training, constituting the 70% component in the 70-20-10 Learning model.

Now, we will look into two additional benefits of training and practical learning channels, focusing on the 20% dedicated to social interactions and collaboration.

Benefits of training in a new role or career

1. Build Confidence and Competence

Confidence is key to success in any role. Proper training instills confidence by equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform your job competently. As you become more proficient in your tasks, you'll feel more assured in your abilities, enabling you to tackle challenges with better control and resilience. This confidence not only benefits you but also instills trust and reassurance among colleagues and supervisors.

2. Enhance Adaptability and Flexibility

In today's fast-paced work environment, adaptability is a prized trait. Training exposes you to different scenarios and workflows, preparing you to handle diverse challenges and changes effectively. By learning how to adapt to new technologies, methodologies, and work processes during training, you'll be better equipped to navigate future changes within the organization or industry.

Learning Model: 20% social learning through interactions and collaboration

This aspect involves learning through interactions and observations with others. It includes activities such as mentoring, coaching, feedback, and collaborative learning with peers. Exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches from colleagues, mentors, or experts helps individuals expand their understanding and skills.

Practical channels to learn on the job include;

1. Mentoring: Pairing individuals with more experienced colleagues allows for personalized guidance and support. Mentors can share insights, provide advice, and help mentees navigate challenges, accelerating their learning and development.
2. Coaching: Coaching involves one-on-one sessions focused on specific goals or skills improvement. Coaches provide feedback, encouragement, and strategies for improvement, helping individuals to refine their capabilities and achieve their objectives.
3. Feedback: Regular feedback from managers, peers, and other stakeholders is essential for individuals to understand their strengths, areas for improvement, and progress towards goals. Constructive feedback fosters continuous learning and performance enhancement.
4. Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning occurs when individuals work together on projects, problem-solving, or knowledge-sharing activities. Group discussions, team projects, and peer-to-peer learning sessions enable individuals to leverage collective expertise and diverse perspectives, enhancing their understanding and skills.
5. Communities of Practice: These are groups of individuals with shared interests or professional goals who come together to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Communities of practice provide a platform for ongoing learning, networking, and collaboration within an organization.
6. Job Shadowing: Job shadowing involves observing and learning from colleagues who perform different roles or have specialized expertise. It provides firsthand exposure to different work approaches, techniques, and responsibilities, allowing individuals to broaden their perspective and skills repertoire.
7. Networking: Building professional networks enables individuals to connect with peers, mentors, industry experts, and thought leaders. Networking facilitates knowledge exchange, career opportunities, and access to diverse perspectives and resources that can enrich learning and professional development.
8. Conferences and Workshops: Attending conferences, workshops, seminars, and industry events offers opportunities for individuals to learn from subject matter experts, participate in discussions, and stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in their field.

Overall, exposure through mentoring, coaching, feedback, collaborative learning, job shadowing, networking, and participation in professional events enriches individuals' learning experiences, enhancing skill development, and contributes to their overall growth and effectiveness in the workplace.