LEARNABILITY - March 25
Spring has sprung - which means the daylight is rapidly increasing, as is the pollen count (at least if you're in the northern hemisphere)
Let's get on with this month's Learnability nuggets.
?? Learning 1.1
Four Types of Learning
I find it useful to divide learning into 4 types - awareness, remembering, understanding, and skills.
It's common for people to talk about learning without making it clear which type they are referring to. But it's important to differentiate because each type requires different methods.
So far, so good.
The problem is when someone confuses things by, for example, reading a book on leadership (Type 1) in the hope that it will improve their leadership skills (type 4).
It doesn't.
Your move: The next time you read a book or listen to a podcast that's about improving a skill, ask yourself "What can I now do to put this into practice?". Because getting theory without practice is just being an armchair expert.
?? Quote
The Bottom Rungs
“Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness."
These wise words are from Publilius Syrus, a Roman slave turned writer who clearly knew a thing or two about climbing life’s ladders and it's one of my favourite LEARNABILITY quotes.
It isn’t just about career progression — it’s also a great reminder for anyone picking up a new skill, whether it’s leadership, active listening, or team building.
I'm sure you're already aware how the beginning of anything new can feel awkward. Maybe your first team-meeting as a leader felt more like herding cats than inspiring greatness, or your first attempts at active listening involved nodding so much you felt like an idiot.
That’s perfectly okay!
Every expert was once a beginner fumbling through the basics. Just like you wouldn’t skip the first few rungs on a ladder, the early steps in learning a skill are essential.
Your move: So embrace them with curiosity and a bit of humour — because those “bottom rungs” are exactly where the magic starts.
?? Leader Challenge
Micro-workshops
As a leader, one of the best ways to reinforce your own learning - and develop your team at the same time - is by teaching. Not with a formal presentation or lengthy training session, but with something much simpler: a 15-minute micro-workshop.
A micro-workshop is a bite-sized session where you briefly share a skill, insight, or tool you’ve recently picked up. For example:
? A new framework that’s improved your decision-making
? A productivity tip from a podcast or book you've discovered
? A quick demo of a tool your team might find useful
领英推荐
Here’s the key: don’t overcomplicate it. Just choose one takeaway, break it down clearly, and create a short conversation around it. You don’t need slides or handouts - just clarity and relevance.
By doing this, you’ll sharpen your own thinking, model continuous learning, and give your team something immediately useful. And if you end with a question like, “How could we apply this as a team?” - you’ll take it from theory to action.
For me, the best leaders aren’t just great learners. They’re great teachers, too.
Your move: Choose something useful you've picked up recently and take a few minutes to teach it to your team. Why not try this week? Once you've done it, the next one will be easier.
?? Motivation
A "K.U.T.B."
This nugget is dedicated to Nick, who is a member of one of my Sprint groups.
He recently admitted that one of the most useful components of our Sprint was getting "A kick up the bum".
Let’s be honest - not all growth comes from gentle reflection or perfectly timed inspiration. Sometimes, the most powerful learning happens the moment we get a metaphorical kick up the bum.
And it doesn't have to be via your boss shouting at you. Sometimes it's a hard truth, or a missed opportunity, or even deadline that suddenly feels too close. That moment when you realise you’ve been coasting, avoiding, or overthinking - and it’s time to move.
Discomfort can be a great teacher. And while support and encouragement are important, they sometimes need to be paired with a nudge that says, “Come on. Enough waiting. Let’s go.”
But that discomfort, that metaphorical kick doesn’t have to come from someone else. It can come from you.
So ask yourself:
? What am I putting off because it feels too big or uncertain?
? What would I do this week if I gave myself zero excuses?
? What does a self-delivered kick up the bum look like today?
Your move: Find one area where you’ve been stalling—and give yourself the push you need. No drama. No waiting for the perfect mood. Just action. Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to start learning what you’re really capable of.
What I'm Doing This Month
New Keynote: This month I've given twice my new thought-provoking talk 'The 10 Commandments of Learning' with the aim of increasing the audience participation. The feedback has been truly heartwarming.
The Book: Finally, the deadline for publishing my book (LEARNABILITY: How to Futureproof Your Career in a Changing World) is 23rd April, which is great considering it's World Book Day.
4-Voices 2025: As a 4V coach, I'm very much looking forwards to this years teenage speaking contest held on 6th April at CosmoCaixa, Barcelona. It will be amazing.
PSA Spain Pro Day: Next Saturday, 29th March, I'll be giving a workshop on "How Good Is Your Speaking Business Model?
Moving Office: I'm pleased to announce that my company IPA Productions will soon be signing for our premises - somewhere bigger, brighter, and better. More info later.
JOBARCELONA 25: I'm pleased to been invited to give my first talk in Spanish "Cómo brillar en tu trabajo" at the Palau Blaugrana.
Sprint: This month sees the end of another professional development Sprint. It's been a pleasure and we've all learn a lot.
CIEES Network: This year, CIEES Expo, where Vocational Training Centres from all over get together to present their innovation projects for a more sustainable world will be held in Albacete, and I'm proud to announce that this year, I will be the host.
If you're interested in accelerated professional development or if you would like me to talk about the importance of Learnability at your next event, please get in touch now. I'd love to learn more about the challenges you're facing and how I can help.
Teacher/Learning Guide /Mentor / Educational Content Creator / Host of Activo Family Learning Hub
1 周Great read Ian , thanks , saved . It took me along time to get through Atomic Habits by James Clear , but the actions followed are beginning to pay off , learning is not learning if you don′t apply it . I say that to my pupils , show me you understand , explain in your own words or explain to friend .