Our Talent Survey throughout 2014 told us that the #1 Trait of those who consistently performed to a high level and were considered 'Talented,' was the ability to consistently and successfully Apply Learning.

Research shows that employees learn the most through real-life and on-the-job experiences. The 70:20:10 Model for Learning and Development is a commonly used formula within the training profession to describe the optimal sources of learning by successful managers. It holds that individuals obtain 70 percent of their knowledge from job-related experiences, 20 percent from interactions with others, and 10 percent from formal educational events.

Our research re-enforced to us the validity of the model as most of those who were seen as successful in Applying Learning told us learning was more easily and effectively applied when gained from workplace experience. This was due in the main to being able to discover and refine job-related skills, make decisions, address challenges and interact with influential people such as bosses and mentors within work settings. There was also a strong element of learning from mistakes and receiving immediate feedback on performance.

Here are Ten Top Tips that we think highlight what it is that those who Consistently Apply Learning do:

1.      Take responsibility for what is learnt and applying it

2.      Put learning into practise as soon as possible

3.      Attach the application of learning to something enjoyable

4.      Know what reward the application of learning brings

5.      Link learning to other contexts - same learning different situations & scenarios

6.      Show / Teach others what you have learnt

7.      Create time to digest, reflect on and consciously file learning

8.      Initiate spaced repetitions of learning

9.      Maintain contact with those that have taught you

10.   Measure application of learning and get feedback for performance improvement

What are your thoughts on the Top 10? Do you have any tips you would like to add?