Almost by definition, learning can’t occur without communication. Companies that provide support and encouragement for communication between all parts and levels of the organization are able to benefit from collective wisdom and more quickly identify gaps in knowledge or skills.
Having less-experienced employees collaborate with subject matter experts is a great learning opportunity for both. The expert potentially gains a new prospective and novel ideas, while the novice has the opportunity to observe and ask questions.
Continuous learning doesn’t mean continuously learning the same thing over and over again. In order to build on knowledge, successful organizations document what they already have learned. Capturing the details about past improvement activities, for example, helps teams internalize that experience, repeat what works, and repair what doesn’t.
Learning requires effort and a certain degree of emotional investment. Employees who are engaged and feel connected to the organization are far more likely to accept the challenge of trying something new.
Not all learning includes formal classroom training. In fact, only 5 to 15% of what we learn at work comes from formal training. Most of us learn more from the break room than the classroom. Successful learning organizations realize this and make an effort to improve the opportunities for employees to learn by doing, observing and talking to each other.
Continuous learning is essential for modern businesses. By replicating some of the habits of successful organizations, you can improve performance and build a better future for your business and your employees.