Create a Culture of Learning
How do you create a culture of learning within your organization?
This question is something that all leaders need to consider and take steps to work towards. When this is in place, it sets your company up for long-term success. People will continue to grow their skills and improve their performance, retention will increase, and future leaders will develop.
Here are 9 ways to build a culture of learning:
Participation from leadership. Leaders need to encourage learning and development and be active participants. When leaders partake in this and show enthusiasm for it, it spreads throughout the organization.
Provide multiple opportunities. Have various learning opportunities that include virtual learning, in-person training, micro-learning, conferences, books/articles, and coaching.
Peer sharing. A great practice is to have your team members share their expertise with others. This furthers the learning for the people receiving information as well as the person teaching it.
Mentoring and coaching. Have a mentoring program within your organization. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and for team members to learn from experienced colleagues. Offering coaching is one of the best ways to improve performance and make it sustainable.
Welcome feedback. Build a culture where feedback is valued and given often. Teach people at all levels how to give and receive feedback.
Focus on leadership development. Identify and offer training for current and future leaders. Utilize leadership coaching as a part of this program.
Empower team members. A critical part of growth is being put in new situations where you are out of your comfort zone. Empower people to have autonomy of a project, lead others, and make decisions.
Treat challenges as opportunities. Build a growth mindset at the organization by viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning.
Recognize and reward growth. Show appreciation and celebrate people for their active participation in their development. You may choose to offer bonuses or other incentives for meeting training objectives.
A great way to start to put this into practice is to take stock of how your organization is currently doing in creating an environment of learning. Then, develop a plan and start taking action to build this culture.
