The Concept of Talent
In general when we think of talent, we think of someone’s having a special gift, a natural aptitude or skill. And we think that such a talent is given to only a few. If we don’t have it, we can’t get it. But new research in how the brain works tells us that we should broaden the concept of talent in a way that will help improve your ability to learn.
The New Mindset
The idea of “giftedness” is old fashioned. Jo Boaler, a Stanford University math professor, argues in her book, Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers, that people can learn just about anything. You simply need a better understanding of how the brain works and how to support your learning.
Improve Your Ability to Learn in the Workplace
To us, the ability to learn just about anything sounds intriguing. We wondered how this broader thinking around talent could benefit the workplace. If employees are not limited by what they think they can do and what they think they can learn, the possibilities of their growth and career development are unbounded.
5 Ways to Improve Your Ability to Learn
Backed by top training strategy mistakes research, here are five ways to improve:
Your brain is not “stuck.” Your brain can be fundamentally rewired. Your brain is open and ready to learn new things, build new pathways, and strengthen connections.
If you want to learn and grow, you need to get used to stretching beyond the boundaries of your comfortable patterns and routines.
In general, the more interactive the learning modality and the more relevant the content, the better. Whenever possible, try new learning strategies that engage more centers of your brain.
Make sure that learners know that they are not alone in their struggle to climb up a challenging learning curve.
The Bottom Line
Look at your learning environment. Are you doing all you can to foster better learning for your employees?
To learn more about ways to improve your ability to learn, download The 7 Principles of Effective Learning
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