How learning gets done at Phillips Consulting
“Learning @ pcl.”
What is Learning?
Learning is the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or coaching.
It is a relatively long-lasting change in behavior that results from the application of varied experience. Learning is a continual process that takes place throughout one’s life. Learning itself cannot be measured, but the results can be measured.
Each new season brings new learning and development trends. Organizations are placing a strong emphasis on learning, while employees want more control of what, where, how, and when they learn.
How learning has evolved over the years.
There was once a time when we learned primarily while sitting in a room, listening to a lecture, and perusing assigned passages in paper textbooks. Now, in modern learning environments, the information and skill-acquisition paradigm has evolved to incorporate technology, and a plethora of knowledge sources which can leave learners feeling overwhelmed.
Reaching the modern learner requires an understanding of how they interact with the world and their preferred avenues for accessing information.
How we do learn in Phillips Consulting
At Phillips consulting, learning occurs in various ways such as:
· Research: As consultants, we are engaged in daily research activities. Through this method, we learn new ideologies and better practices daily; especially in the digital space.
· On the job training: This is one of the best methods of coaching provided at the workplace. We learn in an environment where we need to practice the knowledge and skills obtained during training. This hands-on approach helps to develop the career of an individual and grow the organization. For most of us, on the job training forms the most critical part of our learning and development when we first join a company. It keeps us in close contact with our colleagues, which ultimately creates a healthy working environment.
· Projects: we gain so much from our numerous projects as this gives us real-time practical cases that range from implementation strategies to talent management and to capacity development.
· Mentorship programs: pcl. has established a mentorship program where we match mentors to mentees. Through such informal sessions, Consultants can learn from experiences shared to shape performance and development.
· Peer groups: departments assign in-house peer groups, thereby creating an opportunity for us to learn from each other.
· Firmwide seminars are also a way of learning where a subject matter expert comes to the firm-held events to share knowledge and experiences on various topics.
· Knowledge sharing session: In Phillips consulting, knowledge (information, skills, or expertise) is exchanged among colleagues. The aim is to provide a forum for consultants to share and learn.
· E-learning/Skillsoft: through our relationship with SkillSoft, we have access to a plethora of learning resources that provide quick and readily digestible learning that can be achieved at the Consultant’s preferred time. As a firm, we are required to partake in a monthly learning plan that assigns courses based on specific roles of all staff across the firm.
· Classroom training: consultants also learn through classroom learning interventions. Our robust open calendar gives consultants the options of selecting courses that address their learning gaps and required development needs.
· Teamwork: there is an adage that says, “Two heads are better than one.” working in a group maximizes knowledge in the workplace and helps you learn new skills you can use for the rest of your career. Collaborating on a project creates an enthusiasm for learning. Being able to share discoveries with the rest of your team excites employees and fosters both individual and team knowledge.
Why is learning important?
Learning is essential to our existence. Just like food nourishes our bodies, information and continued learning nourish our minds. Lifelong learning is an indispensable tool for every career and organization.
Today, continuous learning forms a necessary part in acquiring critical thinking skills and discovering new ways of relating to people from different cultures.
Collective mass learning can be a basis for national competitive advantage (see the “Factor Conditions” under Porter’s Diamond Model).
“The only thing that is constant is change” — Heraclitus.
To live a life without learning is unthinkable. One of the most effective ways of dealing with change is through lifelong learning.
Statistics of learning in the workplace
Statistics show that workers who take out time to learn are more developed. In just five years, the landscape of workplace learning will likely be very different from what it is today. Future trends in corporate training show that there will be a lot more interactive and blended learning, which will harmoniously combine classroom and online learning.
