Professional Development
Learning on the jobOngoing learning is more important than ever for today's executives and companies to stay ahead. But staying abreast of change and pursuing professional development is increasingly hard to do in an age where we have more work to do, and seemingly less time to do it. SHARON ASCHAIEK |
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 [ 2006-03-30 ] |
Ongoing learning is more important than ever for today's executives and companies to stay ahead. But staying abreast of change and pursuing professional development is increasingly hard to do in an age where we have more work to do, and seemingly less time to do it.
However, with the right technology and approaches, integrating work and learning is entirely possible, says Gareth Morgan, research professor at York University's Schulich School of Business and chairman of NewMindsets Inc.
"As organizational activities and production get shifted to places such as India and China, progressive companies are looking to the future and realizing that learning and innovating to create or add more value is only way to stay in business and have a presence in Western countries," Morgan says.
A prominent keynote speaker on management education and author of seven books on the subject, Morgan has consulted with dozens of leading organizations throughout Europe and North America. Six years ago he developed NewMindsets (www.newmindsets.com), a system of sophisticated, cost- and time-effective online learning solutions focusing on leadership and management development.
Unlike traditional online learning, which is often little more than a collection of course notes posted online, Morgan's system features second-generation e-learning that puts the learner in charge of their education, and lets them develop practical skills and competencies relevant to their daily work. For example, if an employee is promoted and needs to quickly enhance her team management skills, she could tap into online learning materials specifically targeted to that subject.
"We offer just-in-time learning resources that allow the manager to go online, target effective teamwork and work through a worksheet. They can then apply everything they're learning to their team," Morgan says.
How many hours a week do you work?