What are you doing to rise above mediocrity?

What are you doing to rise above mediocrity?

The internet provides you with a wealth of free online courses, including offerings from esteemed institutions like Stanford, INSEAD, MIT. ?Corporates and consultants generously share the latest insights on sustainable procurement, while the field of Scope 3 emissions is brimming with subject matter experts.

Your inbox is flooded with invitations to numerous "complimentary" webinars on a wide range of cutting-edge digital procurement topics.

Yet, despite this abundance of virtual resources, many individuals hesitate to engage. Amid this digital wealth, there remains a distinct and valuable niche for thoughtfully curated interactive events. These experiences demand more than merely staring at a screen; they require a commitment in managing logistics, financial resources and physical presence. What sets these experiences apart from 'bite size' online learning? Is it the sense of connection, a particular mindset, or the desire for structured 'classroom' learning?

The choice often presents itself as a dilemma: conforming to cultural norms of the ‘time-poor professional’ What would most individuals opt for? What choice would you make?

In a physical setting, participants (not the passive Zoom you, in pyjamas) engage directly with speakers and peers, nurturing active participation and immediate feedback. It provides structure, time management, discipline, and a social environment for networking and collaboration. Real-time clarification and hands-on experiences are easily accessible. The controlled setting minimises distractions and promotes accountability. While effectiveness varies by subject, learning style, and speaker quality, online education has evolved with interactive features, making the choice between the two very much dependent on individual needs and preferences.

The constraints of time often loom large in your busy schedules, making it difficult to invest in additional sustainable procurement learning or related topics. There's also the perception that the skills or knowledge offered in such programs may not directly apply to your current roles or career aspirations. Financial concerns also play a significant role, as participating in courses or hackathons typically comes with a price tag and need for, sigh, a business case.

Additionally, people are creatures of habit and tend to stick with what they know, sometimes hesitating to venture beyond their comfort zones to acquire new skills or embrace new approaches. The clunky paint-by-numbers limitations of the mediocre webinar might also be alienating?

Candidly, the fear of failure can be an obstacle, as the thought of struggling in a new endeavour or underperforming in a learning environment can be daunting.

A final excuse or reason? The array of available procurement development options can be overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about which ones are the most relevant and beneficial for your personal and professional growth.

It's worth considering that learning culture doesn't merely overlay rational analysis; rather, rational analysis is shaped by culture itself. Indulging in debates over trivial matters, like online versus classroom learning can be enticing and enjoyable. However, these discussions serve a purpose precisely because they are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. They divert attention from the truly challenging conversations—the ones that hold real significance, demand action and are often easier to evade.