Make learning a habit

In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future - Eric Hoffer.

For many, the word `learning' denotes a very mundane, and lack- lustre experience. A process that reinforces the straight-laced learning that takes place only in classrooms. The classroom experience does play an important role at a certain stage in one's life. However, when used out of turn, the classroom syndrome may warp the learning curve of an individual making the whole process seem irksome. Another popular misconception is that learning ends when formal education is over.

Mind blocks

How can a professional who is taken up with climbing the corporate ladder, have anything to do with learning? Dealing with deadlines, meeting targets, and keeping the boss happy could be all that he has on his mind.

For others, learning may be a faraway dream, accessible to only those fortunate few who seem to have the time or resources for it. What then can the average professional do to make learning happen?

Delta deal

When Samyukta walks into office every morning, she makes it a point to check her favourite sites in her functional area for the latest updates. Samyukta also takes the effort to read her daily knowledge mailer that is sent to her via email.

With this, she's armed with the latest and has also had a new learning experience. This takes a little effort, and doesn't take up much time either.

Learning however does not end here. On the contrary it begins here. It is most likely, that while you are exposed to new learning, you may happen to share it with a colleague. Knowledge gained, coupled with a new perspective can reiterate the point.

Know-alls

The first step to effective learning is doing away with the know- it-all attitude. However hackneyed it sounds, nobody is a know- all. There'll always be someone who knows more than you do. Another thing one must realise is that active learning is possible even amidst hustle bustle of office life.

Questing cues

Keeping your eyes and ears open is a must. You should also learn to inquire about what you are unfamiliar with in conversations, rather than nodding wisely and behaving as if you know it all. Ask questions, get answers, and listen, in order to learn.

Break-ins

Active listening is one of the most effective ways of learning. A person who is normally very vocal in conversations might face the problem of being a poor listener. Hold your horses and let the other person say what he wants to. Ask for his opinion, and suggestions as well. This might even get you an invaluable input.

Wet feet

There are some things you might never learn to do, without doing it yourself. Especially when trying out that skill you always wanted to learn, the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) technique works quite well in most cases. However, assuming you can tackle it with ease in the first attempt can be misleading When you get started on something, enlisting expert help if you encounter an occasional hiccup, becomes easier than if you didn't start at all!

Practice pays

When was the last time you put something you learnt into practice? Being a ready reckoner means cultivating the habit of immediately putting into practice what you have learnt. Neglecting this can make you lose out on a lot of opportunities. When knowledge translates into work, learning becomes the obvious outcome.

Also, begin by learning with the resources at hand. For instance if you have a Microsoft FrontPage on your system, begin there instead of waiting for the software of your dreams to show up. In short, make-do with what you have, till you have what you want!

Unlikeliest quarters

Learning doesn't always have to come in the shape and size you want it to. The most unlikely person can unknowingly teach you a thing or two - if you have a mind that is open to learning. Life and nature can also be great instructors.

To grow, to be able to discover your talents and potential, you need to actively seek to learn. Having this attitude will not only make you a better person to be with, but also a better person for life. Making a habit of learning is something that one must learn and never unlearn!

ARCHANA JAYAKAR

archana.hyd@careercommunity.co.in