At iCreatives Solutions, we believe in having a two-pronged learning method for employees that inspires serious engagement:
Structured Learning Opportunities (Directed Learning)
This foundational strategy guarantees your employees are continually refining their core competencies and up-to-date with industry best practices.
- Formal Training & Workshops: Provide opportunities to attend relevant seminars, conferences, and technical sessions. This is important training that provides the employees with the skills they require to move along their career path. Continuously renewing their skill set not only keeps your team on their toes but also demonstrates your interest in their professional advancement.
- Courses and Certifications: Guide your employees towards relevant courses and certifications. These predefined learning paths maximize their productivity and directly lead to their professional growth.
Empowering Growth Through Autonomy (Self-Directed Learning)
Aside from formal training, creating a space where employees have control over their learning journey is key to long-term engagement.
- Nurture Intrapreneurship: Assign employees critical roles and leadership responsibilities in key projects. Many of the best learnings come in the form of being challenged by real-world situations or through autonomy to innovate on your own within the organization. Perhaps create opportunities for folks to try on different hats within the organization and support your employees in new experiences.
- Foster a Collaborative Culture: Transition from a competitive to a collaborative state of mind. Foster a culture of readiness to mentor and assist one another. Set aside frequent "knowledge-sharing" or "thought-sharing" days when employees can share experiences, ideas, and insights. This creates strong bonding with the organization and the team.
- Personalized Roadmaps for Development: Take time to explore individual team members' strengths, weaknesses, and areas of potential skill gaps. Encourage them to proactively provide feedback on how these gaps can be filled. By matching learning and development opportunities to their own interests and future career goals, you dramatically increase employee engagement and a highly motivated workforce.
Embracing these diverse learning, development, and advancement opportunities will not only boost your employees' skills but also deepen their commitment to your company. Remember, true growth comes from the understanding that you're never too old or experienced to learn something new!