This informal CPD article An Organisational “Learning Journey” was provided by Asset Wisdom, an online learning platform to train the next generation of Asset Managers.
“A Learning Journey” is a phrase that is often used in many different situations but what does it mean? We have all been on these journeys in both our personal and professional lives but what are the component parts and how do these play into the achievement of both personal and organisational business objectives?
Staff education and training
It is often said “one of the biggest assets in any organisation is its’ staff.” So, what skills do those staff need to deliver today and in the future?
Organisations need to think about the longer term and ensure there is a development plan that fits with the overall business and delivery plan. Investment in staff education and training is pivotal to success; now more than ever. The right training is known to increase productivity and morale as well as sustaining and driving up quality and mitigating against fragmented services.
In any organisation, big or small there is a need to determine what skills, knowledge and subsequent training staff need to meet business objectives and strategic goals. You cannot expect staff to “do their job” without giving them the right tools and knowledge with which to do it. It is also very important that they know “why” they are doing it. This means training and development on an organisational level so that there is a “whole team” understanding and approach to delivery.
A robust training regime not only builds competence and confidence in individuals, but it also ensures that the organisation benefits by enabling staff alignment – “all on the same page”. Not investing in staff training can result in a reduction in the range and quality of services, inefficiency and duplication of costs and low staff morale; this is especially so given the close association between staff engagement, training, and quality of service delivery.
There is no “start” and “finish” lines in the learning journey, life is the ultimate learning journey but, at some point there does need to be structure to ensure both the individual and the organisation get the best result with evidence produced to support the value that taking the journey has added. The subject matter of the journey is not important other than it needs to be relevant to either the individual or organisation and in the context of this paper, both.
What is the learning journey?
In a business context, the learning journey is often referenced as the journey the individual goes through from pre-induction through to leaving the organisation. This obviously will include many subjects from core mandatory ones to more detailed developmental learning for the current role and the next one. If an organisation is trying to bring about a shift in culture and change management, there are learning journeys that need to be in place for specific subjects with wider implications considered.
Often as organisations embark on a change program or introduce new systems, they deliver training programs to those who are directly affected and usually as a “one off” event. Here at Asset Wisdom, we understand that journey and we would love to hear what your Asset Management Learning Journey looks like for both yourself and within your organisation.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Asset Wisdom, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively please visit the CPD Industry Hubs for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
