Continuous learning: Defined
Continuous learning refers to an ongoing process of acquiring and evolving knowledge, skills, and behaviours before finally applying that knowledge. It involves harnessing the innate human capacity to learn and adapt – which is why it can be so useful within a professional context.
Evolving mindsets
High performing teams are the ones which are able to create the right conditions in which learning can take place. It isn’t that they are better learners or have a bigger thirst for knowledge. Instead, they simply set up the environment which they know is advantageous for learning from both successes and failures.
In sub-optimally performing teams, the constraints of work often mean that employees do not, and cannot, learn from the past – whether that means taking on board why something was successful or why something went badly wrong. To rectify that, these teams need to recognise looking back at past activity, in a constructive manner, will enhance their future performance through learning. Previous experiences should then become the natural stepping stones to progressive success.
In addition to creating an environment which encourages learning, the best teams have the ability to move forward by analysing what happened in the past. To enable that analysis, a team must have a high level of trust and mutual understanding between members. It is a vital factor when exploring mistakes and successes. For example, think of a hospitality company running a conference which involves a number of stakeholders, all with different levels of knowledge. To put the conference on so it runs smoothly, all team members must draw from their previous knowledge of running past events, and know where to ask questions to learn when they are unsure.
When trust and mutual understanding are present, it allows each and every team member the freedom to share their own perspective. Crucially, it lets them do so without subjecting themselves or others to undue criticism. As with encouraging an environment that can withstand healthy conflict, a team that has plenty of trust and respect allows a better degree of depersonalisation so that learning can go beyond surface level.
Moving on and vision alignment
Learning, therefore, enables moving on and forward. Another way to further encourage a healthy learning environment where people actively seek to improve, is having alignment behind the team’s vision – another condition to a high performing team. Learning leads to knowledge, and it is the application of this knowledge, to hit that vision, which is the indicator of a team continuously learning and seeking to improve.
Learning, though, isn’t merely a retrospective look at previous actions and practices. It’s also taking a proactive approach (by the whole team) to learn new skills and see that a team’s strength lies in their collective whole. Having this ability – to question, understand, and respond – is the calling card of a high performing team.
Dispelling misconceptions
In the pursuit of continued learning within a team, it’s vital to understand that learning is not simply giving a team carte blanche to cast blame. Nor is it just providing a platform to sing a person or team’s praises. It has to have purpose and subsequent action. Plus, learning is not an end point. Learning has to be continual and it must also be applied. Knowledge without application is useless.
At Goldcrest Partners, we can help ensure that your team is always learning and looking to improve in the most constructive ways possible. We work with leaders and teams to support their journey to optimal productivity, for which learning from the past and learning in the present is central to future success. Call us today so we can help you and your team.
