Sure, learning can be accomplished in a classroom and then applied on the job. But how about not confining your idea of learning to a classroom setting but thinking in terms of learning on-the-job in the workplace?
You can take charge of your own learning and development right where you work and during your regular work day. It just requires being proactive with a clear goal, careful planning and some self-discipline. Then the transfer of training has already been accomplished…you learn as you work right on the job.
Here’s how to implement your own transfer-of-training learning and development plan on the job:
1. Think about how you want to grow this year. Select a targeted area of development that corresponds to competencies and attributes that have been identified as critical for current and future success in your job and the job one level above yours. What skill or attribute, if you were really proficient at it, would significantly enhance your value on the team and to the organization as a whole? Would you like to take on more of a leadership responsibility for instance? Then perhaps you need to enhance your strategic thinking skills.
2. Learn more about the skill you plan to develop. Use books on the subject, relevant articles, colleagues who are admired for their strategic approach to problems, and the internet. As an example of the richness of resources, simply plugging in “strategic thinking” brought up over 8 million results. Here is a free link to how we think about strategic clarity.
3. Break the skill down into its components and then break down the components into specific goals for learning. Let’s say that you have decided that lateral thinking from both the right and left sides of the brain is essential to strategic thinking. Perhaps you know that you are really good at logical, analytical thinking but need more practice on the creative side. Set as an on-the-job goal the creation of a mind map rather than a simple list of to-do’s as you brainstorm what is needed for your next project. Stretch yourself to think in terms of pictures rather than numbers. Try to express your ideas through stories rather than charts. You get the idea. The key is having a goal and a specific plan to get from where you are to where you want to be.
4. Track your progress. Be disciplined about keeping records of each goal and checking them off as you accomplish them. Just as you would receive progress reports in a classroom, you should be able to see how you are moving forward toward completion. You can even enlist the help of a colleague to give you feedback as you practice your skills. This way you won’t be operating in a vacuum. You will have a chance to test your skills where it matters on the job and get input on how you are doing from those who can attest to your improvement.
Take control of your own learning and career development. Good luck!
Learn more at: http://www.lsaglobal.com/lsa-transfer-of-training-methodology
