4 Ways to Accelerate Your Learning Curve

Photo by C Nelson
4 Ways to Accelerate Your Learning Curve – by Arnie Wohlgemut

The difference between generations is not as big as you might expect. I have talked about my sister in previous blogs, I trust you will indulge me once more.

At the time of writing this, she is looking for a new job. I am constantly impressed with her drive to find work that provides career growth plus one where she can contribute to the development of the staff reporting to her. If a position appears to be a “been there, did that” opportunity, she continues her search.

“A great career gives you an ever-increasing opportunity to learn more. Even if you are not looking to change your role.” ~ Yuval Atsmon

Full disclosure, she’s a “baby boomer”. She exemplifies a character trait often attributed to Millennials: she is on fire for her job.

What has made her success is that she does not tolerate low-performance, has a keen desire to know what a win is for the company and is not afraid to get to know her staff – personally.

How do we become like her?

The best option is to learn to be a self starter. Here are a few ideas that, when put into practice, can help your learning curve accelerate:

  1. Never stop learning. It’s a healthy barometer for determining whether it’s worth staying in any job. Without learning opportunities, your fire for the job goes out quickly.
  2. Be open about your interests in learning, and your willingness to develop your skills and abilities. Hopefully you have a manager or supervisor that is willing to help you succeed. My sister never hesitates to tell recruiters and potential employers about her interest and personal growth passion.
  3. Ask for a comparable item. Whether it be a report or a sample of a success item, Find out what your benchmark is and what your work will be compared to. It is also a fast way to learn about the task at hand.
  4. Actively seek feedback on your work. Specifically where improvements can be made. Recognize that not all improvements are within your control. Those that are, take the opportunity to learn and improve your work.

“ Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly, or it vanishes.” ~ Peter Drucker

I hope you are like my sister. If not, I challenge you to develop the habit of being a life long learner.