Discover the benefits of lifelong learning
You’re a professional and you know you excel at it. You’ve made the time commitments and your career is on the up. As you progress up the ladder, the skills you develop from your experience become key. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your education is over. Indeed, one of the most attractive parts of completing your studies is the idea that you don’t need to learn anything else. However, those who go on to make the largest impact in their fields often take a lifelong approach to learning.
While the idea of pouring over books may seem unattractive, the professional and personal benefits speak for themselves. The modern workforce undoubtedly exists in a near-constant state of flux. As we enter a time of intense innovation and reinvention, those who succeed in the changing workplace will be those that can most easily adapt. Business theorist Arie de Geus notes ‘the ability to learn faster than your competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage’. Aside from the obvious career benefits to increasing your knowledge, choosing to change your attitude towards learning in the workplace will pay off, both personally and professionally.
Lose that fear
Writing for the Harvard Business Review, Erika Andersen draws on her extensive personal experience to list vulnerability as one of four attributes of an effective learner, and thus a more successful member of the workforce. It’s easy to see why, as learning a new skill ‘requires a willingness to experiment and become a novice again’. However, for many this is a terrifying thought. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable in accepting that you do not know everything is likely the hardest skill on Andersen’s list, but as a result, the payoff is high. Those who acknowledge their limitations embrace their need to learn and ask questions. By losing their inhibitions, they can easily pick up a variety of new skills by merely asking and listening to others. Not only will this make them a greater asset to their company, they will enjoy a newfound efficiency and find that their uninhibited side extends much further than the confines of the office.
Curiosity leads to confidence
In allowing yourself to be curious about a new area of opportunity, rather than resisting change, you open yourself up to new experiences. Andersen recommends examining the subject to find an element that excites you. For example, an interest in efficiency may entice you to explore some of the more intricate technology your business has available. Next thing you know, you could be elbows deep in programming or development, as your passion for improving systems takes you down an entirely different path.
Even if you limit yourself to the one skill, your newfound curiosity and knowledge will be a significant boost to your confidence. You’ll be more inclined to take on projects that show off what you can do, which will lead to numerous unforeseen opportunities. Who knows, the confidence you gain may also translate into your personal endeavours.
Discover how an online postgraduate study in business can benefit your personal and professional self. Speak to an admissions manager today on 1300 701 171 to enquire about our Master of Commerce or other leading online programs.
