Our professional and personal lives are becoming more integrated today as we strive to get as much done as efficiently as possible. The concept of achieving “work-life balance” isn’t gone, but it is different. We work in a highly connected world where we need to continually learn in adaptable, focused and personalized ways to keep up with the pace of change.
- In three years, you’ll need to relearn 35% of your job (The Future of Productivity, Müge Adalet McGowan and Dan Andrews, OECD)
- Every five years, your skill set will be 50% less valuable as it was before (How to keep up with the Future of Work, World Economic Forum, July 2017)
- 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (85% of Jobs haven’t been Invented, HuffPost, 2017)
Think about what motivates you to learn. If it’s staying competitive in your field, you’re in good company. According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of us believe that ongoing learning is essential to our career success. Beyond specific job skills, employers now look for people who possess key competencies. On p. 30, we look at the skills that make professionals stand out. Which ones are missing from your skillset? Normandale offers certifications specifically designed to help you stand out in your job search or get noticed on your team. It’s not just about the skills, though. Equally important is deciphering your own learning style and making sure that it works within your lifestyle. Learning is no longer defined by time or place. It takes many forms ranging from the traditional instructor-led experience to online, independent learning options.
Our lives today move at the pace of change and it’s easy to get caught up in the blur. To become more effective, we need to understand our own style and preferences and play to them. In the recent bestseller When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, author Daniel Pink writes, “I used to believe that timing was everything. Now I believe that everything is timing.” His point is that everyone has a personal rhythm which can be managed to enhance all that we do, including learning. You can choose to spread out coursework over several months or knock it out in an intense few days. What’s important is that you make an investment in yourself by figuring out your rhythm of learning and then scheduling time on a regular basis to do just that: learn.
You’ve come a long way and you have so much more you want to accomplish. Neuroscience research has shown that when we make a change to a routine or task, we become more aware, present and ready to learn. When we connect that change to something that is meaningful to us, we create learning that is memorable and actionable. When and where will you find meaning this year? Mastering a skill or learning something new can help you create more moments that matter in your life. Where do you want to go? Whatever your destination, Normandale is here to support your journey. While you may naturally read this and think of your own personal learning, this exact same pace, rhythm and reflection is applicable to your organization as well. Any of our programs can be brought to your organization for maximum impact and minimal disruption. Call 952-358-8343 and discover learning opportunities that are meaningful, productive, and profitable for you.