Finding the time for learning and development.

'An investment in knowledge pays the best interest' - Benjamin Franklin.

Something that we all know is that what you don't know...you don't know.

Another thing we all know is that learning and development is key to any business' progression and can be a defining factor in gaining competitive advantage.

I run training sessions for a range of skill levels in the print and visual communications industry and something that I hear repeatedly at the end of a training session is 'I wish I had come on this course last month/year' or 'that's going to save me so much time!'.

There are so many tips and tricks out there for time management and not getting bogged down with emails or interruptions, and these are great when the rules are adhered to. My recommendation is pretty simple and is an assured way to learning a little each week.

We all set aside time each day or week for things of necessity; be that lunch time, a weekly team meeting or watching your favourite TV show with the family on the sofa. But it is rare for people to 'find time' to further their professional knowledge.

My suggestion is always to set aside a specific amount of time, be that each week, bi-weekly or monthly for uninterrupted development.

It really is that simple. Once it becomes known that, say for example, Friday mornings from 10am - 11am is your 'do not disturb' time, you can lock yourself away and really focus on your set task at hand.

Some things you can do to help:

• Turn off your email notifications/close emails
• Add the session to your outlook calendar (or similar)
• Get yourself in a comfortable environment, whatever that may mean to you: headphones, a cup of tea, favourite chair...
• Have your learning path written down, be that a list of tutorials, job shadowing or online learning/workshops
• Have goals for the sessions which directly or indirectly will help your role or business. These could be qualitative or quantitative with measurable objectives and specific outcomes, or emotional - e.g. confidence building with presentation pratice
• Ask for help!
• Share internal team knowledge, perhaps somebody in your workplace has a specific skill that could be shared without the need for classes or external input, or share experiences or difficulties that you may have overcome and what worked/didn't
• Keep track on what you have done/learned. At the end of each session write a quick report on what you have gained and add to a personal development folder

Once you start the benefits will start showing themselves in no time.

As an example, I use Adobe Illustrator regularly for design work. I learned the basics whilst I was at University and have continued my development mainly in the form of trial and error. A couple of years ago I watched a tutorial on using a tool that I had been using for years (the pen tool for those who know it). I was convinced that I was pretty up to speed with use of the tool, but this 10 minute video tutorial taught me 2 very simple, small time saving shortcuts which I am sure has saved me hours and hours of work since. If I could go back and tell myself the hours I would save for just 10 minutes of learning, I'm sure there would be no argument for 'not finding the time'.

Any progressive company will embrace learning and development as they will want to get the best, most efficient use of an employees time, with the highest quality product/output/deliverable.

I am sure we all know that in this world you don't get a lot for free, but with as it says at the start of this post...

'An investment in knowledge pays the best interest'

...and we all like interest!

The Roland DG Academy provides training for a range of subjects based around the products and industries related to print, graphics and 3D milling/engraving. With workshops, courses, videos and events be sure to keep an eye out for something that just might help you to get that next contract, save time on your processes or learn a new application that could expand your business into new profitable ventures!