Agile Learning: The Key to Success

[lisaroberts]

We live in a time of rapid change. New ideas, technological advances, and scientific discoveries are constantly being presented into our lives, making it difficult for some—especially those who are set in their ways—to keep up. In order to thrive in today’s world, it’s imperative that workers stay relevant in their field. But how can one stay fresh and keep up-to-date with advancements when our world is continually evolving?

According to a recent article, developing learning agility is the key to sustaining success in the marketplace. Agile learners are open to developing new skills and adapting to new concepts in order to reach their goals. They can move beyond their comfort zone to try something new and have the capacity for rapid learning from their experiences, quickly letting go of methods that are no longer useful to them. While many shy away from taking such risks—especially in the workplace—being open to new information and experiences can help workers get ahead in a time when change is so constant.

For those who aren’t already in the mindset of the agile learner, there are steps you can take to help you develop these traits. For starters, asking for feedback and constructive criticism can help you learn from your mistakes while discovering your strengths. However, in order to truly learn and move forward, it is vital that you resist the urge to get defensive when faced with negative feedback. Rather than getting upset or arguing, take the advice and use it to help you grow.

Another thing to consider is experimenting with new approaches when faced with a challenge. If your usual approach isn’t achieving your desired results, take a step back and consider one thing you could do to change the outcome. You can also look for connections in areas that may seem unrelated, which can lead to mastery in a field you are already comfortable with. Don’t just stick with the same old approach simply because it’s working for the time being—with new ideas and approaches, you could discover better ways of reaching your goals. 

Finally, it’s important that you make time to reflect upon your experiences. To ensure that you can progress forward, think about what you have learned, figure out what went wrong with any results that didn’t meet your expectations, and consider what you could have done differently. These simple steps can help you change the way you learn to help you face future challenges. With just a few small changes in your routine, you can train yourself to be a better learner and keep yourself moving forward.

Reference:

Valcour, Monique. (2015, December 31). 4 Ways to Become a Better Learner. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2015/12/4-ways-to-become-a-better-learner​.