Transform - What new stuff did I learn this month
Why keep a log? Why document? Well, apart from anything else, to keep you honest! People have encouraged me to journal daily, but I struggle with this, as it seems too much like an adolescent keeping a diary; but I know it works for a lot of people and it does help me when I am disciplined enough to do this. It helps hold me accountable to myself, to make sure I have not gotten too caught up in the day-to-day activities and too far off track regarding the big picture. It also does not have to be work-related; it could be that you started to play an instrument or to learn a language. It can even be a new recipe or route to the office, but make sure you are learning something. Also ask your team, and your customers, “What did you learn this month?” If their answers interest you, why not learn the same things? It becomes addictive, this learning habit, but you need to commit to it like any training, or you will quickly forget. That is why I again encourage you to start to build a professional library, so you can store and easily access all the great things you are learning. Also, make sure you are establishing good learning sources from your peers and colleagues. Currently I have seventy-five books that people have recommended that I read. It may take me the rest of my life to get through these books, but at least I know I will never have a dearth of options. When I need a new book, I simply buy the cheapest two or three I can find from my list. This method is far from scientific, but it provides me with an array of reading I would be unable to establish on my own.
Also, document the ways you learn. I have taken to scribbling notes in books and highlighting sections, so that when I am ready, I can go back and summarize the book. This works for me, and allows me to keep the information fresh and handy. I also like attending conferences with gifted presenters. This stimulates me and gets me thinking. Which ways do you best learn? Is it in a classroom? Do you prefer being self-taught through study? Is it from talking to others? The only true constant is change, so how are you going to keep yourself and your organization focusing on the customer, not allowing them to slip back to users, unless you are continually learning?
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