Why learning matters in business
‘You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.’
–Richard Branson
Just like learning to walk, a business owner needs to learn steps and skills to achieve desired outcomes. It’s from consistent practice, and skill development that we improve and we can learn so much from experience, and conversations with others who have walked the same path and are there to support and guide you. Ultimately it is a process that you need to continually apply and repeat, reflect and review.
A familiar saying is “You learn something new every day” and “We don’t know what we don’t know”.
At YTM we believe that it is important to bridge the gaps between what we need to know, don’t know, and should know. This will help us make sense of the business world. That’s why learning matters!
Valuable insights
Learning and sharing is a major component for our regular events for the YTM community of business owners and professionals. For the past 7 years, we have provided valuable insights from subject matter experts, conversations where you can practice clearly articulating your value, learn how to ask qualifying questions, listen to others, reflect and review your business strategies, challenge your thinking and expand your influence.
We believe, the more we can learn, absorb, witness, and experience, the more knowledge we acquire. We are better equipped to make informed choices when faced with situations and opportunities. We grow both personally and professionally, and have the tools and skills we need to achieve whatever it is that matters to us.
Access experience and knowledge
We cannot possibly know everything, but we can access experience and knowledge through others. Connecting with people and investing in building relationships is one of the best and fastest ways to expand our horizons.
The definition of learning
Tony Bingham, president and CEO of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) which is the world’s largest association for professionals who develop talent in organisations, and Marcia Conner, a SupporTED Mentor and fellow of the Darden School of Business, defined learning as:
“… the transformative process of taking in information that—when internalized and mixed with what we have experienced—changes what we know and builds on what we do. It’s based on input, process, and reflection. It is what changes us.” (1)
So true! Every encounter or experience changes us in some way.
Learning is a continual process and function of our brain
YTM has allowed us to learn what drives people. What makes people face into various challenges and opportunities? Why do people do what they do? How is it that we travel different paths and have different journeys? I often wonder why one person becomes a scientist, another a mortgage broker, or a plumber, a doctor, a teacher, an electrician or a small business owner. No doubt many factors are at play: environment, culture, life experiences, cognitive ability, knowledge, opportunity and supportive relationships. Learning is a continual process and function of our brain. Our attitudes, personality, motivation, mannerisms, approach to fear, and confidence evolve over time.
From every observation, encounter or conversation, we learn something about ourselves and others. We begin to see that life is a puzzle, a patchwork, a kaleidoscope that influences and changes our direction. Our beliefs and awareness develop overtime. We learn from the most unexpected opportunities and we learn we can always learn more.
Our view of the world expands once we become aware and accept that everyone has their own story. The stories may or may not be similar to our own, yet they provide opportunities for us to review our beliefs, values, and behaviour, reflect on our direction, and consider our next move.
Our capacity to learn from the reactions and behaviours of others in diverse circumstances helps shape our view of the world as we imagine, clarify, confirm and meet our needs. Now, of course, we have access to so many stories through blogs, ebooks, videos and podcasts which further expand our knowledge. We are connected to a multiplicity of ideas and philosophies which bring us together to share the joy of learning.
I often see conversations on Social Media asking for recommendations for books to help with certain aspects of business, or for book club discussion. Book clubs are a popular leisure activity that have had a recent resurgence. They bring people together with a common interest to review, debate and discuss. I find conversations about challenges described in the books often turn into discussions about challenges people have faced or are facing in real life.
Similarly, at YTM events, we learn from each other, share stories, build connections, and have the opportunity to participate in a community while contributing to the lives of others. Many participants say one of the greatest benefits of the YTM community is being able to meet with a group of likeminded people; a community where others understand the challenges of business, face similar situations, and are prepared to invest in relationships and be of value to others. I am confident this helps us all live happier and more fulfilled lives.
If you value learning and the ability to make informed decisions, you may be interested in the events that we run at YTM. This year, has seen us move online and in 2021, we will be offering a hybrid model of online and in person events- with over 30 events scheduled for our members, here is plenty of opportunity to learn about ourselves and others, to grow our knowledge, to make informed decisions to support your business journey.
Apply new learning to our circumstances
All of us have the opportunity to learn about ourselves and others, to adapt what we hear, to analyze, question and apply new learning to our circumstances. The things we need to achieve our version of success are all around us. All we need to do is makes choices and keep learning.
That is why learning matters.
If you would like more details of Membership or are keen to receive event alerts to benefit from valuable insights and conversations with others, please visit our website
As The Network Catalyst and Founder of Your Time Matters, Kerryn is brilliant at facilitating deeper connection and authentic conversations. With over 30 years of experience in building networks and communities, Kerryn understands that in this ever-changing business landscape, it has never been more important to connect with the right people to build trusted and profitable relationships.
Kerryn works with business owners and professionals, to identify genuine access points to make the right connections, find solutions and to achieve their goal.
When you recognise the power of relationships and engage in purposeful conversations, anything becomes possible.
Re: (1) Conner, M, 2013 The New Social Learning: A Guide to Transforming Organizations, through Social Media
