In times of change learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists. (Eric Hoffer)

Nice to have a certificate although it may only get you the job. It could give you a heads-up at the start, but where you go from there is all about learning. Good organisations know this and facilitate the learning which enables people to learn and grow as they enhance their capabilities to produce results they care about.

Are you an advocate for learning in your organisation?

Here is a quick 10-point check list to evaluate your learning philosophy. You will know the answers.

• Do you consider yourself open-minded? ‘It’s impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows’ (Epictetus).
• How are you perceived? People do not want to know that you are an expert; they want to know if you can make a positive difference to them and the team.
• Do you put your ego aside by being big enough to admit mistakes and smart enough to learn from them?
• Are you seen as someone who is humble, open and transparent?
• Would people feel psychologically safe in your presence?
• Individualization and maximising strengths are important to you, does this show when working with others.
• Do you encourage people to think for themselves?
• Do you ask more than you tell, and listen more than you speak?
• Do you truly connect with your people?
• Beware of bias, especially the success bias!

Your self-assessment would have revealed how closely you subscribe to abetting a learning environment. You would be reinforcing its culture through modelling and quality conversations, starting with listening.

Tick off the ten tips and marvel at the fruits of your labour!

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.