Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Learning
What would most employees say about whether the company they work for would be considered a creative learning culture company?” How do you think they would respond? A resounding, yes? Or not sure? The response may be based on the culture that has been created. Ask employees what they have learned in the last 30 days that has moved the company forward in its competitive advantage. Encourage employees to share their activities with co-workers on a weekly basis and see what happens. Culture happens when accountability is a part of the vision and goals. Employees have the capacity, given the opportunity to be contributors vs. consumers in the workplace.
The best way to awaken a sleeping unengaged work force is to get them to learn something new. Without a doubt disengaged workers are impacting productivity and morale. Chief Learning Officer Magazine regularly addresses what it means to be a world class learning elite company. Building a culture of coaching and learning is the key. Every year CEOs are asked about what their greatest concern about the future success of their business is. For over a dozen years it has something to do with whether their employees are being properly developed. Leadership is a conversation according to Harvard Business Review. Talking with employees rather than to them can promote employee engagement and stronger strategic alignment.
Highlights of learning elite cultures:
- Focus on leadership development
- Use of Technology
- Top Management support
- Having fun
- Engaging the workforce at every level
The companies that are engaged in workforce learning and development are moving their organizations into the future. Inc. Magazine publishes a list of the Top 500 Fastest growing companies in America each year. In 2001 Personnel Consultants, the company my partners and I owned was recognized as the 135th fastest growing small privately owned company in America. As I look back over the list, year over year, it is rare to see companies that repeat as contenders. The book “Good to Great” refers to some of the biggest and best companies in the world. The book was written in 2001 and many of the companies listed in the book are no longer in business. Is it possible that they lost their way?
The Power of Leadership and Culture in Shaping Learning Environments
I had the opportunity to meet and hear Lee Cockrell speak about his experience as the VP of Operations till 2006 for Walt Disney World. He said, “it is not magic that makes it work for Disney but the way the people work that make the magic.” Lee suggested “Your organization’s culture is the product of the people in it, and every addition and subtraction will alter the chemistry. Leaders have the responsibility to create a culture where employees look forward to coming to work every day. It begins by hiring the right people, making your expectations clear. In fact, it raises your expectations because you most often get what you expect. You must then enforce your expectations. Learning cultures happens where people know what matters most. It is easy, but it is also easy not to work on creating that kind of environment. It is work. As a leader you will be watched and judged every second of your life. You own your reputation as the leader. The book I wrote in 2004 called “Don’t Look Now, Your Character is Showing”, highlights a strong reminder that you cannot, not communicate. You are constantly on display to the world. Yes, I said “world.”
People are watching what kind of legacy you are laying down and leaving for the next generation. Start being more about doing and less about being. As my friend Jeff Wilkie, at Hogan Taylor says, “You are the message,” and it is best to not forget it.
Dr. Mark Gilbert, my college professor reminded his students that what they are doing every day is important, because it will impact tomorrow. When bearing in mind that what we do each day is extremely important, it will impact tomorrow, it will assist you to becoming known as an elite learning company.
As an employee, no matter your role, develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.
