Allow employees take ownership of their development
Self-directed learning
With a rapidly changing job market where technology and innovation are determining the future of work, adaptability is becoming a key driver of success.
More institutions are recognising the need for employees to take ownership of their development, as this now tends to benefit everyone.
When individuals grow professionally, their organisation can thrive.
Here are a few practical tips to help employees embrace self-directed learning:
1. Set personal development objectives: Learning starts with clarity. What do you want to achieve as an employee? Is it gaining computer skills, improving presentation skills, or understanding new trends in your industry? Personalised objectives create motivation.
2. Plan your journey: Without a map, you will lose your direction. A simple study or learning plan that points out your learning areas, mode, and useful resources (such as online courses, workshops, or mentoring and coaching) keeps progress on track.
3. Start small with microlearning: Short learning sessions are easier to fit into busy schedules. Spending just a few minutes in a day reading an article, watching a YouTube tutorial, or listening to a podcast can lead to stable and meaningful growth in the long run.
4. Embrace a growth mindset: Institutions should promote a culture where curiosity and experiential learning are encouraged. When employees are not afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and try new ways of doing things, learning becomes a natural part of daily work.
5. Provide tools, but trust the learner: Give employees access to top-notch learning resources and then give them space. Autonomy builds confidence and drives long-term engagement in professional development.
Namibia’s future workforce will be shaped not just by formal training, but by individuals who are willing to take initiative. Let’s support and empower that journey.
Learn, unlearn and relearn.
* Sacky Iipinge is a learning and development specialist with over 15 years of experience in the learning environment, who is currently employed as a chief learning and development officer at the Ministry of Finance.
More institutions are recognising the need for employees to take ownership of their development, as this now tends to benefit everyone.
When individuals grow professionally, their organisation can thrive.
Here are a few practical tips to help employees embrace self-directed learning:
1. Set personal development objectives: Learning starts with clarity. What do you want to achieve as an employee? Is it gaining computer skills, improving presentation skills, or understanding new trends in your industry? Personalised objectives create motivation.
2. Plan your journey: Without a map, you will lose your direction. A simple study or learning plan that points out your learning areas, mode, and useful resources (such as online courses, workshops, or mentoring and coaching) keeps progress on track.
3. Start small with microlearning: Short learning sessions are easier to fit into busy schedules. Spending just a few minutes in a day reading an article, watching a YouTube tutorial, or listening to a podcast can lead to stable and meaningful growth in the long run.
4. Embrace a growth mindset: Institutions should promote a culture where curiosity and experiential learning are encouraged. When employees are not afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and try new ways of doing things, learning becomes a natural part of daily work.
5. Provide tools, but trust the learner: Give employees access to top-notch learning resources and then give them space. Autonomy builds confidence and drives long-term engagement in professional development.
Namibia’s future workforce will be shaped not just by formal training, but by individuals who are willing to take initiative. Let’s support and empower that journey.
Learn, unlearn and relearn.
* Sacky Iipinge is a learning and development specialist with over 15 years of experience in the learning environment, who is currently employed as a chief learning and development officer at the Ministry of Finance.
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