How do you identify and pursue new learning opportunities?

One of the most valuable tools you can have in identifying areas for growth or opportunity - is to ask a trusted mentor, colleague, client for honest feedback. We have the tendency to judge ourselves based on our intentions while judging others based on their action and results. Be open to this constructive criticism in order to grow!

Here, I'm talking about self-learning: learning underlying things about myself that have a multiplier effect across areas of work and life. The surest sign to me that points toward a learning opportunity is when I feel defensive, offended, or up-tight about a situation. We tend to flee these situations, either physically or by escaping into an ego-protective internal narrative. But I've come to seize them (except for the ones where I fail because I'm too overwhelmed - still happens) to curiously explore WHY that reaction is there. What truth am I failing to recognize, and what are its implications? Each thing I learn in this way tends to impact a wide range of work and non-work situations. Note: sometimes re-learning is required!

I typically align my learning opportunities with my current projects and future goals. This approach helps me narrow down which courses to take or activities to engage in. For instance, over the next 3-5 years, I aim to improve my public speaking and personal development skills, so I have enrolled in relevant courses in these areas. Additionally, as I am currently working on a deal with a financial institution, I have signed up for a course in financial management and valuation. Furthermore, my objective is to earn one new certification each month as part of my ongoing learning journey.

lets say Every challenge become a way to learn new skills, so I keep my eyes peeled for challenges—each one is a chance to gain fresh skills. Whether it's diving into a project or tackling a problem, it is a golden ticket to level up my knowledge and expertise.

𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Start by assessing your current skills. List down all the skills you possess and rate yourself on each of them. 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors to gain an external perspective on your skills. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗽𝘀: Compare your current skills with the requirements of your desired role or industry. The difference will highlight the areas you need to work on. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Based on the gaps identified, set learning goals for yourself. These should be SMART. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻: Develop a learning plan to achieve your goals. This could include online courses, reading books, attending workshops, or finding a mentor.

𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses across various fields. 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀: Traditional but effective. Books provide in-depth knowledge and are great for self-paced learning. 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀/𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘀: These are excellent for learning on the go. They provide insights from industry experts. 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Having a mentor can provide personalized guidance and accelerate your learning process. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Attending industry events or joining online communities can expose you to new ideas and trends. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀/𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀: These provide hands-on experience and are usually led by industry professionals.

Create a structured plan to achieve your learning goals. This might include enrolling in courses, attending workshops, participating in webinars, or engaging in self-study. Allocate time in your schedule for these activities to ensure they are prioritised.

One thing I've found helpful when claiming my goals along with the SMART method is to have an overarching theme. This way, if there's a shift in any part of the SMART goals or plan, it's much easier to reroute if need be, but still stay on track to where you want to go.

A mentor or coach can offer guidance on your learning journey, suggest resources, and provide support in overcoming challenges. Their experience can be invaluable in identifying and pursuing effective learning opportunities. Discuss your learning goals with your professional network. Colleagues and industry contacts may recommend learning resources, upcoming events, or communities of practice that align with your goals.

𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: Regularly ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors. Constructive criticism can help identify areas for improvement. 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Seek a mentor in your field of interest. They can provide personalized guidance and support. 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Engage in group studies or discussions. Different perspectives can enhance understanding. 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Join forums or social media groups related to your learning topic. They can offer support and resources. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽: If available, use career counselling or academic advising services.

Apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings as soon as possible. Whether it’s a new management technique or a strategic thinking model, practical application solidifies learning and demonstrates its value. Set aside time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it’s impacting your leadership and performance. Consider keeping a learning journal to document insights, progress, and any challenges encountered.

Seek out new challenges: E.g. taking on a project outside of your comfort zone can provide valuable learning opportunities and growth. Explore new topics: Attend workshops, webinars, or online courses to expand your knowledge base eg, learning a new software tool can enhance your skill set. Embrace failures: Reflect on past mistakes as learning experiences eg, a failed project can teach valuable lessons for future endeavors. Appreciate feedback: Actively seek feedback from mentors or colleagues to improve and grow eg, incorporating feedback from a client can lead to better outcomes in the future. Share achievements: Celebrate your learning successes and share them with others to inspire and motivate them on their own learning journey.

The best advice I was ever given is, "no one cares what you know until they know how much you care." Being able to learn everything and keep your mind in present topics and daily life helps with outreach and creating relationships. The conversations are always about them so being able to continue your learning experience and grow from it is very important.

Some of the areas not included in the article are: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Understand your learning style - visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic. Tailor your learning methods accordingly. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Allocate specific time for learning. Use techniques like Pomodoro or time blocking. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁: Maintain a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: Keep a check on your physical and mental health. Regular breaks, exercise, and a balanced diet can enhance learning efficiency.

I constantly seek new learning opportunities by staying curious, exploring diverse topics, and embracing challenges. I leverage online courses, books, and engaging with experts in various fields. This proactive approach ensures continuous growth, broadening my knowledge and enhancing my skills for personal and professional development.