By Deedee Myers
New year, new learning. Each of us has probably read a few blogs, seen several articles, and been in conversation with friends about what changes the year might bring. In my own reflection, my thoughts have been on what Learning, with a capital L, I need to continue and where to best contribute to my community.
One of my twin daughters, Kathleen, recently competed in the school spelling bee. Watching her spell on stage in a competition was a learning opportunity for me as a parent. I had to keep my mouth quiet, wish her success, and love her no matter the outcome. She moved with quiet confidence, was delighted as she advanced to each round, and remained humble when she WON! She will soon go to the district competition, and she studies every day in preparation for this event. Her spelling list is divided into Dutch, Latin, Asian, Spanish, Arabic, and other foundational languages. She is learning about other parts of the world in the spelling bee learning space, and I am learning new words, too. For example, I learned that serendipity is Arabic-based, elite is French, and stipple is Dutch.
Helping Kathleen prepare for the spelling bee was a reminder about learning. Each of us learns in our own way and has a particular space and time to learn or study, as well as different practices for applying our learning. Kathleen does best looking at the words for a few minutes and responding when I ask her to spell the word. I am amazed that once she sees the word, she remembers it, each and every time. She prefers sitting with me in a quiet space, away from the other kids, and she likes to do this at night, between dinner and bedtime.
What does learning really mean? First, we need a learning space. So, what are our learning spaces? Traditional learning spaces have been in the classroom. Now, a variety of learning spaces are available. They present themselves in conversation, when we listen more than talk, as well as in classroom learning, online learning, and learning in the board room. A learning space happens when we ask in a meeting, “What’s possible?” or “What could be different if we no longer did that?” A learning space could be an online interactive discussion on a book, in either an asynchronous or synchronous learning platform. Or, for Kathleen, a quiet corner of the house.
What are the choice points for learning? Are we aware of the multiple choice points that we have available to us? Do we maximize and leverage these choice points? Every issue or challenge in the organization, community, or home is a choice point. We can choose to ignore the opportunity, or we can consciously acknowledge the choice point. In credit unions, for example, we are faced with major choice points to advance the learning and development of our entry-level and early career professionals. Kathleen chooses to learn her new spelling words after dinner and after her other homework is complete.
The most basic question, however, is “Why is learning important?” This question should be discussed in every executive, management, and board meeting this year. If each of us increased our appetite for learning, even by 10%, the possibilities for creativity and innovation would be tremendous. From my perspective, I can see that Kathleen is learning a lot in this competition, including how to organize her time and space and be centered on stage during the competition. I am confident that she will remember this event for many years to come.
I invite you to reflect on your own learning spaces and choice points. The answers may surprise you! They certainly surprised me.
Deedee Myers is founder and CEO of DDJ Myers, Ltd.
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