Arguably one of the late Terry Pratchett’s greatest creations, Granny Weatherwax was a hugely powerful witch; and yet she was all too aware of the need to keep on learning, to develop and hone her talents. When her ability was challenged by an overconfident newcomer to witchcraft Granny described herself as “Just starting. Every day, just starting.”
This acknowledgement of the need for continuous development is one which would benefit many in business today. Let’s face it, the world doesn’t stand still and neither should your viewpoint on the world. The pace of technological change is inescapable but so too is the shift in consumer attitudes and expectations which we see as one generation rolls into the next. So the choice is simple; either we embrace the pace of change or we put the brakes on and fade away into obscurity.
But the way in which we face up to the challenge of continuous development is as important as the learning itself. Collecting CPD points for the sake of it or going on a course which has nothing to do with our everyday needs will do little for our development or our outlook. That’s not to say that CPD isn’t important; it is but like any other learning methodology, one targeted CPD event is of far more benefit than a bunch of ‘turn up for the points’ seminars. That’s one reason why the rise in blended learning is helping so many businesses to devise training programmes which are focused on ongoing developmental needs. Combining classroom, online and on the job training enables businesses to help their employees to update their skills on a continuing basis.
However, staying ahead of the trend is not just the task of individuals. It was C S Lewis who said “you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” and that quote could equally apply to businesses themselves. Unless you operate in a niche market then the chances are that the product or service which stood you in good stead for so many years may not be delivering the rate of return that it once did. The world has moved on and the name of the game is now to be innovative and agile. So much so that according to the PwC 18th Global CEO survey, whilst 61% of CEOs see more opportunities today than three years ago, the report reveals that the “one ‘must have’ attribute they point to for future success is adaptability.”
So the challenge for business is not to rely on past glories to drive future success but to become adaptable, to be open to the setting of new goals and to respond to the marketplace with innovative new products. Of course that may require learning another set of skills as leaders and employees together assimilate the benefits of delegation, empowerment and collaboration into new approaches and new ways of working but that is what continuing development is all about at heart; every day just learning, every day just starting to create a better future.
If you’ve got a question on resetting organisational culture feel free to email Derek at derek.bishop@cultureconsultancy.com or visit www.cultureconsultancy.com for more information on organisational culture and employee engagement.
