Smart leaders understand the importance of improving your skills at work. This may involve learning something new or reminding yourself how to do something you once knew.
It’s a trap to think that you’ve reached a level of expertise where you don’t need to learn anymore. That can open you up to a humbling experience. Not long ago, I was reminded of this by the world of magic.
When I was around seven years old, I learned some simple magic tricks. One involved a piece of rope. I was able to perform the trick perfectly, as the rope would separate into pieces and then magically come back together.
A few years ago, I’m attending a presentation, where all audience members were taught how to perform that same trick. But now there’s a problem. I can’t figure it out how to do it.
I understand what I’m supposed to do but the illusion isn’t working. At this moment, I realize that while I had mastered the trick years ago, I can’t get it right today. This after years of education and life experience.
How am I worse at something that I once knew? This is the challenge of learning and remembering things. With a magic trick, I can laugh it off but if it involves your job, then it’s a different story.
Let’s talk about how you make sure you’re improving your skills at work:
Learn New Things
From economic conditions to equipment, the business world is constantly changing. Make a weekly commitment to learn something new that could enrich your expertise. You’ll get extra credit if you make this is a reoccurring calendar item.
This kind of learning can be accomplished by attending industry meetings, reading articles, or networking with local leaders. New trends are often hidden in plain sight.
Not sure where to start? Simply asking, “What’s something new that you’ve tried recently that’s worked out well?” can lead to an engaging conversation.
Let Interests Be Your Guide
When you’re interested in something, it’s easy to learn. But the mental transaction becomes harder when it’s a topic that doesn’t excite you.
In your organization, have a good handle on people’s interests. When it comes time to research or learn something new, match up their interests to the topic, if you need help.
Make sure the person also knows if they’re responsible for sharing the information or training their colleagues. You want to make sure that instruction is understandable for those who may not be as keen on the topic. Effectively training those people is a sign the instructor has mastery over the topic.
What Can You Forget?
Sometimes you have skills that are good to know but not as important to maintain or improve. While it would be good to have better handwriting, I realize, in today’s world, that skill is not as important as it once was.
Time spent on improving my penmanship would be better spent on something else. Industry priorities change over time and that should be reflected in improving your skills at work.
Where Must You Be Reliable?
In a business, there are important tasks you perform once or twice a year. Do you remember how to do them or is it painful to remember? You don’t want to waste time, get frustrated, and struggle with competency.
When it comes time to perform the task, make a cheat sheet, record a how-to video, or write down clear instructions and put them in a place that’s easy to find. Don’t rely on your memory to rescue you down the road.
This technique is also important for cross-training employees. Vacations, family emergencies, or new jobs can take people out of the office with little notice. Can people perform unfamiliar duties easily or is there a big drop in productivity?
A little bit of preparation can reduce stress and improve organizational efficiency.
Ken Okel Performs Virtual Keynotes Too
