How do you make learning at work self-wanting– and not something that ‘comes on top of it?’ Today, LinkedIn asked me to share my perspective. This isn't an exhaustive list, but seven essential ways to contribute.
You work and learn optimally when you do what you need to do, are good at, or can develop, love to do, and have the courage to do it. This means that when choosing your career or study program, it's important to do what you're naturally drawn to and are good at. And for employers, it's crucial to optimize recruitment and selection based on this.
If you're naturally drawn to learning, it takes less energy. In fact, you look forward to it. So make career and learning choices based on that as well.
If you really want to achieve something, you're more likely to make time to tackle the learning steps that lead to it. You know what you're doing it for.
Rewards make desired behavior occur faster and more often. Consider rewards such as a certificate or diploma, a promotion, a bonus or salary increase, increased job opportunities, etc. These prospects often stimulate self-learning.
Education and courses vary in how much fun they make learning. This depends on the type of learning material, whether or not they use motivating and expert instructors/facilitators, whether or not they use attractive training methods, etc.
Someone once said: "You only learn when you make mistakes." See it as an opportunity to improve. The point is that you're allowed, or even required, to make mistakes in order to grow. You'll then know exactly what your development points are and can focus and thus learn more effectively. Don't "downsize" yourself or the learners in your organization, but "empower" them to learn.
Apply uniform codes of conduct for a socially safe learning and working environment. Prevent or effectively deal with bullying. Provide a reliable and knowledgeable confidant. Reward and celebrate interim successes together.
1. By doing or wanting the job that suits you and that you really want
2. You genuinely enjoy and find it challenging to learn what's required
3. You have an ambitious goal that you're eager to achieve
4. If it's rewarding for what it will give you
5. Make learning fun
6. Allowing people to make mistakes
7. Providing a safe, stimulating learning and working environment
Let's hope that learning becomes even more fun! Martin
© 2025: Martin Thoolen
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