Every Day at Work is a Chance to Learn

When it comes to increasing your professional knowledge, proactivity is key. You’ll need to not only keep an eye out for workplace opportunities–actively pursuing these chances for growth and learning is key! And, as always, being prepared is also a key component of workplace success, especially on the educational front. It’s important to think about not only what you’ve learned but the process of how you’ve learned it. That way you’ll be in the best position possible to take on new challenges. The pros that we’re turning to below today offer up phenomenal ways to be better aware of the ways you learn, as well as how to pursue professional opportunities to explore.

This tip from Josh Bersin and Marc Zao-Sanders at the Harvard Business Review provides a great education foundation: “Practice metacognition and mindfulness. Be aware and be present as you go about your daily job. There are many benefits to this, one of which is an increased ability to learn and develop. For example, don’t just sit in on that negotiation with a procurement expert; notice and learn her tactics and techniques as you engage with her. Ask product managers about product features; ask sales people about industry trends; ask peers for feedback on your presentation skills. These kinds of inquiries are learning experiences and most peers love to tell you what they know.” In other words, think about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it! Apply this to both your failures and successes. Ask yourself questions: what are your areas of opportunity and why might that be? Where do your areas of strength lie, and why are those your strongest suits? The goal is to increase your various workplace proficiencies to an optimal status. And you both can’t and shouldn’t do this work alone! Make sure you’re taking note of the approaches of others that lead to their successes in addition to soliciting feedback from outside eyes. Even in this suggestion, proactivity is key–make sure you’re taking action by asking those around you for advice.

Tracey Parson and Jenna Arcand at Work It Daily also offer up a great way to develop your professional skills: “Raise Your Hand For New Challenges. When you see new opportunities to learn new skills, go for it. If there is something in the company you want to learn to do and you see an opportunity to learn those skills in a special project or a new assignment, make the grab. Do a little extra when it’s required to learn those new skills that you need to advance. Remember, it’s not aggressive to reach for a new opportunity. It is helpful, useful, and valuable. People who progress in their careers find ways to elegantly make grabs for new learning opportunities. When a new project comes up and it aligns with the skills you’re looking to obtain, raise that hand. Let your manager or HR team know that you want to learn some new skills or gain new, more advanced experience. Be clear on what you can offer to the project and get involved.” Your colleagues and bosses aren’t mind readers! Communication is key. Let those around you know that you are ready to take on even more workplace responsibilities. And make sure both your words and your actions reflect your readiness and ability to process any new information that comes your way. Knowing what new, advanced opportunities exist at the company also show that you’ve been paying careful attention to the way your workplace works–that you’ve already been an attentive student and know what you’re doing! Let your proactivity shine; take the lead instead of waiting for opportunities to come your way.

As autumn draws closer, let the change of seasons offer up a fresh start. With that new beginning comes ample opportunities to learn new skills, and new facts about your organization that will help you hone what you already know. Whether you’re headed back to school or heading back to another day of work, consider these circumstances chances for educational growth. Remember that everyone around you has their own unique strengths, which means that all of your co-workers and bosses have unique skills that they can teach you more about. Don’t be afraid to ask! At the end of the day, everyone is on the same team and working together to improve your processes as you strive towards a common goal. Join us again tomorrow as we finish off the week with our Feel Good Friday: Learning edition.

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