How Organizations Go About Learning the Wrong Way

"Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between thinking and looking out the window"

-Wallace Stevens

It is 2015, and in today's ever changing environment it is crucial for organizations to grow, learn and remain agile to meet the local and global needs of customers. Within Minnesota's landscape, competition is high among nonprofits, education institutions and corporations where the options to shop, learn and receive resources are numerous. The above quote by Wallace Stevens highlights what most organizations struggle with today. If employees aren't working or thinking then they must not be working at all. Unfortunately, organizations are so focused on productivity, they forget that allowing a space for learning can often foster innovation.

Organizations need to invest in their people's learning and do so in the right way not only to retain talent, but to ensure continued growth of the organization. Highlighted below are three key ways organizations incorrectly approach learning and potential solutions on how to turn it around.

    1.  Training as Learning

Many organizations and human resource departments approach learning as a need for more trainings. While additional trainings are extremely helpful for job specific items, not all trainings need or should relate to the job. Creative learning is learning, and often the best ideas come from taking a break and engaging in an activity unrelated to your work. Post-It notes by 3M was just that. A innovative idea sparked because employees were given the time to be creative. How that space is created should be determined and tailored individually for each organization.

    2.  Organizations and people are too distracted

Constant evolving of the market has required organizations and people to think about the next big thing and quickly.  As organizations decrease their workforce so save money, the work continues to go increase. Fewer people and more tasks means more projects that each person much accomplish. With so much going on in a single work day it leaves no room for learning, creativity or rest. One way organizations can improve is by setting aside a period of time each day or week devoted to individual learning, or a creative space. My workplace has instituted a FIKA every couple months as a way to get us out of our offices, conversing on topics other than work. I don't always come back with the next greatest idea for process improvement, but I do return to my office refreshed and ready to finish my tasks for that day.

    3.  Knowing what you need

To setup and provide the ideal learning environment for your people, knowing what you need is an important first step. Rather than setup a creative workspace, outing or happy hour which will be unattended, take the time to discover where the employee interests reside. If your employees need time away from the desk during the day, create that space. To spark innovation, incorporate creative learning opportunities employees can engage in. Know what your starting point is, and what will fit your organizational needs before deciding on additional learning. Great ideas often come from unexpected places, and keep in mind that learning is not additional roles.

Further Reading

You're Not Too Tired to Create. You're Too Distracted

Can We Empower Change with Innovation & Learning Culture Programs