Learning Is Never Finished

Lately, I’ve been focusing on how important it is for all of us to move forward along a path of consistent growth if we want ourselves and our organizations to continue to thrive. This is a critical need, personally and professionally, for employees at all levels.

No matter how long we live, none of us is ever finished learning. One of the greatest ways to ensure your own continual growth and learning is to open your world. This doesn’t necessarily mean international travel — although that’s one way to do it. It means expanding your mind and your life through new experiences that light a spark within you. If you are heading up a team, opening your world will make you a better leader. For those of you who are contributing at an individual level, opening your world will expand your knowledge base, setting you up for success as you move toward your goals.

When you stop learning and growing, you become stagnant. At no place is this more obvious than at work. We have all seen that person — or perhaps even have been that person — who is simply not engaged in the workplace. So how do you open yourself to growth?

Shadow someone from another department or team. It can be eye-opening to see the view from a different side of the organization. If you are in finance, learn more about marketing. If you are in marketing, hang out with someone in shipping. If you are in shipping, find out more about human resources.

Serve on a cross-functional team. This is a great way to learn how different departments can work together toward a goal.

Interview recent retirees and seek their counsel on current issues. This seldom-tapped resource can have tremendous value. Everyone can benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have “been there and done that.”

Have lunch with someone different every day. Get to know someone with whom you have had only a passing acquaintance. Connecting with your peers will not only expand your network, it will also help you feel more engaged.

Attend open enrollment training events that will broaden your perspective. You will usually discover something you didn’t know about your organization through employee enrichment training.