Team Building: Continuous Learning

Part 3 of 10

Intro

As any effective leader knows, team building is a nuanced art, yet some core concepts are universal. In this series we explore effective strategies for every team. Each segment focuses on one of ten key aspects; individual strengths, open communication, continuous learning, feedback & recognition, trust & respect, goal setting, mentorship, work-life balance, team bonding activities, and empowerment.

Continuous Learning

Continuous learning, often used interchangeably with continuing education in our professional lives, was my greatest take away from my time in undergrad. Frankly I think the intrinsic desire for knowledge instilled during those years is what prevented me from pursuing a graduate degree. It's pretty straight-forward and the benefits are obvious (who doesn't like to improve themselves?), so what's the point of this article? We're going to explore this concept specifically in the context of team building, why it's important for every member of every team, and how one as a leader may best promote continuous learning as a method to inspire their team's perpetual growth.

Before we continue, I think it's important to discuss continuous learning vs continuing education. Think of continuous learning as the adventurous, self-driven cousin of the more formal, structured continuing education. It's all about quenching your thirst for knowledge, whether that's through on-the-job training, mentorship, or simply diving headfirst into real-world experiences. It's a broad, all-encompassing approach that encourages a lifelong love of learning and adaptability. On the other hand, continuing education is like a well-organized tour guide, leading you through workshops, courses, and seminars. It's often run by educational institutions or professional organizations and usually results in a shiny new certification or CEUs. It's a must-have for maintaining professional licenses or certifications and is laser-focused on professional development within a specific field. With this in mind, continuing education is contained within continuous learning.

Importance

We all intuitively understand continuous learning is a good thing. It's obvious that by increasing a team members capability the individual and the team will perform more effectively, and typically efficiently. So in fear of preaching to the choir, I'll keep this section short and sweet.

• Culture of curiosity and innovation: Encouraging team members to constantly improve their skills and knowledge.
• Higher-value team members: Increased productivity, better problem-solving abilities, and a more adaptable team.
• Retain talent: Employees feel valued and invested in when their learning and growth are prioritized.
• New ideas: The inventor of Google Maps wasn't following the status quo, instead diving into a new real-world experience that forever changed the way we navigate.
• Leadership 101: What are you doing as a leader if not helping those you lead improve themselves?

Strategies

Now we get to the not-so-obvious part. How to foster a culture of continuous learning. Like anything in leadership it's not a cake-walk, but with conscious effort and a genuine desire to help, you can use these strategies:

• Lead by Example: Show your commitment to continuous learning by actively seeking out new knowledge and skills, and sharing your learning journey with your team. Your actions set the tone for the rest of the team. You may notice this bullet title often in this series. There's good reason for it.
• Set Goals: Another that will crop up a lot. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) learning goals can help keep your team focused and motivated. These goals should be aligned with both the individual's career aspirations and the team's objectives. Regular check-ins can help track progress and provide opportunities for feedback and adjustments.
• Promote a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, is crucial for continuous learning. Encourage your team to view challenges as opportunities for learning rather than obstacles to be avoided. Celebrate effort and progress, not just hard results.
• Encourage Knowledge Sharing: Often times the best source of knowledge on a topic can be found within the same team. Knowledge sharing can be accomplished through regular team meetings, workshops, and if you're culture is right, informal discussions on a daily basis. When team members share their knowledge, it not only helps others learn but also reinforces their own understanding. It's important to create a non-judgmental environment where everyone feels confident sharing.
• Training and Development Programs: Basic tip? Sure, but I'd be remiss not to include it. Regular training and development programs can help keep your team up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. These programs can be in-house or outsourced, depending on your team's needs and resources.
• Provide Learning Resources: Similar to the above, obvious, but needs to be stated for completeness. As a team leader, it's your responsibility to ensure that your team has access to the necessary learning resources. This could include books, online courses, webinars, or even subscriptions to relevant industry publications. Providing these resources shows your team that you value their professional development and are invested in their growth.

While implementing these strategies, it's important to avoid some common pitfalls. One is the "one-size-fits-all" approach. Remember that each team member has unique learning needs and preferences, and what works for one person may not work for another. Another pitfall is neglecting to provide time for learning. Continuous learning requires time and effort, and your team members need to be given the space to learn and grow. It's not unreasonable to expect employees to have ambition and learn on their own time, sometimes. But building time into the work week for such learning is paramount to success. Lastly, avoid creating a competitive learning environment. Learning should be a collaborative process, not a race.

Conclusion

To wrap up, we reviewed what continuous learning is, how it's definition differs from that of continuing education, the importance in a team setting, and of course, the strategies to create a culture of continuous learning. Creating a culture of continuous learning within your team is not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for any organization aiming for long-term success. It requires a multifaceted approach including thoughtful planning, individualized strategies, and a commitment from leadership. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you're not just investing in the skills and knowledge of your team but also laying the foundation for a more innovative, adaptable, and effective work environment. The journey of continuous learning is ongoing. It's not a destination but a way of operating that can significantly elevate the collective capability and morale of your team. So, take the lead, set the example, and make continuous learning a cornerstone of your team's culture.

Enjoyed the read? Found it valuable? Be sure to check out the rest of the series on Team Building:

• Individual Strengths
• Open Communication
• Feedback & Recognition

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash