Learning by doing: how to take advantage of everyday growth opportunities
When a challenge or question presents itself, our first reaction is often: ‘Let’s organise training’. But is that always the best solution? The working day often offers plenty of informal learning and development opportunities
Training is a form of formal learning and can definitely be valuable, but it is by no means the only solution. Studies have shown that training rarely results in lasting behaviour change. Because real learning happens in the small everyday moments: a spontaneous chat with a colleague, reflecting after a challenging situation or simply listening to a new perspective. These moments often prove equally important as – if not more important than – training. Leiden University has various ways to help you benefit from them.
Let’s Connect toolkit: practical support with communication
Our Let’s Connect toolkit is an easy way to help you improve your verbal communication. The tools answer no fewer than 40 ‘How to’ questions based on experiences from our organisation. Whether this means giving constructive feedback, holding effective meetings or discussing difficult issues, this toolkit provides solutions you can apply immediately without taking up too much of your time. They focus on your specific question and can be used whenever they are relevant to you.
GROW toolkit
Our GROW toolkit is there to help with your Conversations on Performance, Development and Well-being (GROW, the former Performance and Development interviews). It is a selection of tools that will make your GROW conversations easier. There are handy documents to prepare your initial and annual GROW discussion as well as microlearnings that introduce you to the key elements of GROW in under five minutes. Enough to give you a basis or an idea of which steps to take next.
Expand your perspective: 360-degree feedback
One powerful, proven tool is 360-degree feedback. This involves asking your colleagues how they think you perform in your work and how you are to work with. As the feedback is not just from your manager, it gives you a wider perspective on your development and potential. This provides valuable insights that help you focus on your professional growth without needing formal training. You will find a 360-degree feedback form in the GROW toolkit.
Other types of informal learning
There are plenty of other types of informal learning that you may already use: for example, monitoring, peer consultation or learning from others in joint projects. The strength of hands-on is that it is versatile, easy to implement and provides room for continuous development, also outside the traditional training context.
Small steps, big difference
So next time think about how you can take advantage of those small everyday moments before you look for training. They are often all it takes to make a big difference with the minimum effort. Curious? Find out what Let’s Connect! and the GROW toolkit can do for you or ask your HR Adviser for more information.