The world is changing faster than ever before. Shifts in global economic power, accelerating urbanisation, behavioural revolutions and the rise of technology are affecting the way we think, the way we act and the way we work.
This is why the ability to learn as fast as the world is changing is absolutely imperative.
In the Workplace Learning & Development report released by LinkedIn earlier this year, it was highlighted that the number one trend to address skill gaps in the future is by building soft skill competencies across the board.
Leadership, communication and collaboration skills were identified as being the most important skills for employees to learn to soften the future impact of automation.
This raises the question ? how do executives and HR professionals train these soft skills?
Before we can address these gaps, organisations must recognise the value in adopting a learning mindset and bringing employees on board that are truly willing to learn.
How can organisations encourage a learning mindset?
Set aside time for Learning & Development
Set aside time for employees to attend training sessions, but then continue to introduce opportunities to learn on the job and test out frameworks in real-world scenarios. According to LinkedIn’s research, 68% of employees prefer to learn at work, so it is essential they are provided the time and space to learn and practice in a workplace environment.
Image source: LinkedIn 2018 Workplace Learning Report
A culture of ?why?
Create a culture of ?why? ? encourage employees to think critically, question decisions and ask: ?Why are we doing this, and how could we do it better??
Identifying a learning mindset
Understand how to identify and encourage a learning, or growth mindset in employees. Look for those that are eager to engage in critical thinking, are open to change and think a little differently from the norm.
Image source: LinkedIn 2018 Workplace Learning Report
Reward learning!
Creating reward programs for professional development, encourage self-assessment and introduce structured feedback programs for employees outside of the context of an annual performance review.
According to LinkedIn, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their professional development.
Image source: LinkedIn 2018 Workplace Learning Report
Encouraging a learning mindset across an organisation where employees can grow professionally and technically is a key to retaining talent and building a robust organisation.
At the end of the day, organisations are only as good as their people.
Adopting a learning mindset and empowering employees to invest in their own professional development is the best way to build and retain the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
For more information about programs and initiatives to encourage a learning mindset in your organisation, please visit www.peopleconnexion.com/training