Learning that becomes a permanent personal asset

I started work on this article a while ago, as I have a tendency to do.

I wanted to talk about Success Outcomes in Learning and Development. About Continuous or Lifelong Learning. We in L&D spend a lot of time on learning outcomes and delivering training which will be successfully received and used by delegates.

A particular quote caught my eye, reinforcing the idea that once something is learned—be it mastering a new language due to extended time abroad or acquiring an MBA through work in consultancy—it becomes a permanent personal asset, immune to being lost or taken away.

In designing training, we aim to tailor content to meet needs, addressing the knowledge, skills, or comprehension gaps that necessitate such training. We strive for delivered content to be adopted swiftly and to prove beneficial in practice—often more straightforward in scenarios where obsolete systems make way for new methodologies.

In Learning & Development, success metrics are gathered through feedback forms—"happy sheets"—and conversations with attendees or their corporate L&D contacts to gauge what is proving to be effective.

Often we need to tailor to role specifics: This role needs "x" and that role needs "y". So we can create real life scenarios to demonstrate and develop the new skills/knowledge.

Diligent effort is put into course creation to ensure the training program we provide is effective and imparts lasting knowledge. Matching what has been requested by the client and what the attendees would like as well as need to do and understand for their roles.

Learning is a continuous journey and should be a permanent personal asset.

Here are five key points to make learning a continuous journey and a personal asset:

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset encourages continuous improvement and resilience.
2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Define what you want to learn and set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This helps maintain focus and motivation.
3. Leverage Diverse Learning Resources: Utilize a variety of resources such as books, online courses, podcasts, and workshops. This diversity keeps learning engaging and broadens your perspective.
4. Create a Learning Routine: Dedicate regular time for learning, whether it’s daily or weekly. Consistency is key to making learning a habit and integrating it into your lifestyle.
5. Reflect and Apply Knowledge: Regularly reflect on what you’ve learned and find ways to apply it in real-life situations. This reinforces learning and makes it more practical and valuable.

Happy Learning and Development!