fulfilling
The desire to learn is a fantastic human attribute. It is this desire that enables us to develop the products and services available for us to buy and sell. Learning about ourselves also reaps rewards enables us to live more and enriched lives. Whilst changing ourselves, we find the process is less than joyous. But when we look back, we can only see the benefits of undergoing change.
 
 
 

ARTICLES

Making the most of conversations

Top 10 tips for achieving your goals

Seven ways to kill staff morale!

EVENTS

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Leadership forum

Accelerate into 2008

 
 
Ladder of Learning
Zhong You, shall I teach you what knowledge is? When you know a thing, say that you know it; when you do not know a thing, admit that you do not know it. That is true knowledge.

Confucius (551-479 BC) speaking as a teacher to a student.

Lifelong learning is essential in order for you to be in the best possible position to maximise opportunities and for you to reach your potential.

Life is a journey – so is learning. You know where you are on the ladder with different skills. You just need to ensure that you choose a programme that will achieve your goals within your time and budgetary constraints.

Stages for acquiring a new skill*

Unaware Unconscious of the need to have the skill
Aware Other people behave differently, my skill is not achieving the desired or required result
Informed Learn about the skill either through reading or attending a course
Capable Practice the skill, reflect, receive feedback to improve
Proficient Confident in using the skill, able to adapt the skill to different situations
Expert Able to see immediately what to do, does not consciously think about the skill but just does it. Other people consider skill holder to be an expert and may ask for help in developing the skill them selves.
Going on a course or reading a book does not make us experts, only when we practice the skill and gain feedback can the skill be developed and expertise gained. Feedback can be received from direct reports, peers, business contacts, friends and family. However, sometimes, it may not be appropriate for these people to give you feedback. In these cases, you may find having a coach or mentor can facilitate this process.

* Developed from the Conscious Competence Model thought to be developed by Dr T Gordon in 1970s and Dreyfus H, ‘A Phenomenology of Skill Acquisition'