MODERN LEARNING
want to do, and where your industry
or profession is heading. What
does it look like, and what would
it take for you to get there? Don’t
limit your thoughts or ideas.
Research and discover what new
skills or knowledge (technical,
functional and behavioural) you
would need to land such a position.
Step 3 – Know the gap: Look
at the gap between your current
skill set and the desired future. For
each element rate yourself on a
scale of 1 – 4:
1. No current skill or knowledge
2. Some skill or knowledge, but
not proficient
3. Competent at this skill and have
knowledge
4. Expert with a high degree of
skill and knowledge
Step 4 – Get creative: Craft
a list of activities you can
undertake to close the gap,
and identify the priorities
to be addressed. This may
include: books to read, courses
to enrol in, journals to subscribe
to, new people to meet and new
practices to perfect.
Make sure you stretch yourself
and have a balance of activities
that will be challenging and fun.
Consider having a mixture of
activities that are cerebral, physical
and spiritual – i.e. good for the
mind, body and soul.
Step 5 – Build your plan:
Create a personal development
plan that maps out your learning
goals, and what you will do and
by when. Having completion
dates and success measures is
critical so you can hold yourself to
account and monitor progress.
And then, the only thing left to do
is to put your plan into action and
check progress. Also, don’t forget
to reward yourself. Celebrate your
learning and achievements.
Learning to love learning is a life
skill, and it’s even better when
you are learning with purpose. To
thrive in the face of this constant
stream of change, be ready to step
outside your comfort zone, adapt
your operating style and update
your knowledge bank.
Michelle Gibbings is a change and
leadership expert and founder of
Change Meridian. Michelle works
with leaders and teams to help them
accelerate progress. She is the Author
of ‘Step Up: How to Build Your Influence
at Work’. For more information: www.
michellegibbings.com or contact
[email protected]
September 2016
ModernBusiness
7