Learning Agility or Learnability Quotient

It’s not often that a panel discussion am invited to has a topic that I need to read up on. When Shealini Pandit, Global Segment Leader for Success Skills approached me recently to be a panelist where the topic was ‘Learning Agility’, some reading up was called for. As I would be addressing 100s of IBMers across Asia Pacific, I had to ensure I was well equipped to define ‘learning agility’, which is very different from learning ability.  

My fellow panelists were two other IBM leaders, Prativa Mohapatra, VP-Sales, Global Markets and Joyce JX Xu, Director, WW CSU, China CIC. 

Interestingly, I found the apt definition of this skill in the famous book ‘Future Shock’ by Alvin Toffler, published in 1970. He wrote that “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn”. He was way ahead of his time, but nobody could have written it better! This process of learning and unlearning is the only way to stay relevant and survive in the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world. I find an echo of this in what Charles Darwin said - “all species arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.” I call that “adaptability”.  

Learning Agility is strongly correlated to adaptability/flexibility. That brought us to the question- Is the term ‘learning agility’ synonymous with ‘agility’? My sales partner at IBM and dear friend, Prativa, answered this question beautifully. While the skill of a ballerina enables her to showcase her talent, it’s the ‘ease’ or ‘agility’ with she moves, that demonstrates her expertise. Similarly, while learning is a skill, the ‘ease’ with which one can learn, unlearn and relearn is ‘Learning Agility’. 

In the corporate world, a successful professional needs to not just have technical/functional expertise but soft skills as well. However, that no longer is adequate to be a leader because you need learning agility to cater to the demands of the VUCA world.  

How do we adopt learning agility? Joyce shared that while we continue to grasp concepts on the go, learning agility stems from ‘curiosity’. Curiosity is the key to learning more while making informed amends to what we have learnt so far. Your IQ may have worked the magic to get you here but it’s time to step up your EQ to get you where you want to be.  

The secret behind practising learning agility has a ROCK-solid foundation. Here is how I define it. 

R: Reflection 

Reflect on experiences. Reflection is the greatest teacher of all times. You may practise this yourself, or with a professional coach. Reflect on what went well. How can that attitude and behaviour be repeated in different situations. Reflect on what could have been done better too. A monthly or weekly or even daily reflection schedule is great. 

O: Others 

You are the company you keep. So, keep great company. Get inspired by the people around you and the people you meet in different walks of life. Learn from their failures and successes. Learn by having meaningful conversations and by observation. 

C: Classroom 

Get into a physical or an online classroom for learning a new skill or a new artform. I strongly recommend it. Be open to newer skills to help you grow professionally and personally. I have joined classroom coaching for “Story-telling”, “Appreciation of Modern Art”, “Appreciation of Miniature Art”, “Creative Writing” and “Social Media Management” - all in the last decade. 

K: Knowledge  

Knowledge from books is the greatest food for your soul. Read books! Allow yourself 20 minutes daily for reading. 

Learning Agility comprises a set of skills that allow you to learn something in one setting and apply it to another. The application of what you have learnt so far gets better when you share those learnings. Sharing is caring, not just for others but for yourself. Thanks to Joyce for reiterating the importance of sharing. 

I am convinced that learning agility is not just an individual trait. Teams must exhibit this trait to succeed. Here’s how my team practised learning agility. The team took up a new project last year, in the pre-COVID era, to conduct a very large virtual event. This initiative was unheard of and involved a new approach to events. My team delivered a very successful event with 3500+ virtual attendees and we have been recognized by the Global CMO at IBM for this feat. 

During unexpected turn of events, employees need to think sharp to move to a better place. If they look forward to change and want to keep going, then they have discovered the survival kit in the VUCA world. Today you should not only be nimble footed but also nimble witted, the reason why you need to inculcate learning agility.  

Here’s how you can find the ROCKstars in your team or become one: 

• The person with the EQ:  

There is a project coming up and you need a smaller dedicated team to take charge. You ask your colleagues to take their pick of the lot. Their choices of whom they want to work with will give you a qualitative result of individuals with higher EQ. 

• Informal leadership: 

The project is underway and the responsibilities have been allocated. And there is no formal leader announced. Who takes charge to get the work done? Does an individual play an informal role in integration of plans? Did someone step up to follow up for a reminder? These individuals will get you past the crowd on a busy street.

• Learning never stops: 

What do they do when they are at work? Do they strategize and execute tasks and clock off? Do they work, learn, play around and strategize while at play and get back with a rejuvenated mind? The way an individual chooses to learn helps with the unlearning and relearning aspects of the cycle. 

Learning agility is not static in any human being. It is an ability that can be enhanced over time. One needs to be focused on not just IQ and EQ but LQ (Learnability Quotient) too. It is time that you take up the Learning Agility challenge. It’s easier than you think but harder if you don’t.  

We can continue the discussion on LinkedIN or Twitter @deepalinaair

I have to thank Malathi and Varnika for reviewing my article. Hugs to them!

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