Ask a Training Expert: The Importance of Continuous Learning

[Kevin Marvin]

Imagine spending months working with colleagues and partners through a complex implementation complete with a thorough training plan. Your go live launches as planned and metrics indicate the masses have completed their initial training. Time for everyone in the organization to take a deep breath and throw their learning hats to the side, right?

No matter how thorough the training or how skilled your people are, it is never wise to place training on the back burner. Whether it is sharpening your skills through hands-on labs or researching a best practice online, staying a consistent and self-motivated learner is vital to maximizing your potential as a professional and proving your value to your organization.

This is best reinforced with a popular quote from one of the most influential people in history.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi

CONTINOUS LEARNING

Staying a motivated and an engaged learner is commonly referred to as Continuous Learning. There are many definitions and interpretations, but in the simplest form this involves a continuous loop of obtaining and sharpening of skills and knowledge. This practice does not only pertain to an individual’s professional life, but it is woven throughout our personal lives as well. With access to data at the touch of a button there is no longer the need to ask, “I wonder if, or I wonder how.” The answers or skills are out there…you just need to make the effort.

This is not just the latest fad either. It is the new normal. Studies through the years have helped validate that continuous learning and development programs are a requirement to attract/retain talent and to keep pace with technological innovation.

• 94% of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. (LinkedIn Learning Report, 2020) 
• High Performing Learning Organizations are 92% more likely to innovate (Deloitte Leading in Learning)
• 80% of people agreed learning new skills would make them more engaged (Udemy for Business)

THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE

The means to gain knowledge and skills are seemingly endless. You can go the traditional route (instructor-led, self-paced e-learning, reading, learn by doing etc.) or find innovative ways (augmented reality, virtual reality , gamification etc.) to keep you engaged and on the cutting edge. Regardless of the method, it is important to put learning in the same conversation as eating, sleeping and taxes. Ok, that might be a bit extreme, but I hope you get my point.

KEEP SERVICENOW SKILLS TOP OF MIND

ServiceNow has a variety of options to consider to keep you engaged. 

• Technical courses providing you with skills and the ability to earn mainline and micro certifications
• Simulators to allow you hands-on practice
• Custom training tools to train your team of fulfillers on a variety of processes based on your instance
• Resources and services to help with operational change management activities
• Product documentation to give you insight into the various features and capabilities
• Knowledge Conferences allow you to build knowledge, skills, and connections in an exciting and thought-provoking live event
• And much more in our Now Community

For those who have not trained with ServiceNow to date, now is the perfect time to get started. We are offering our popular ServiceNow Fundamentals On-Demand class and a voucher for the Certified System Administrator exam at no charge. This offer is for those who have not taken ServiceNow Fundamentals to date. Act fast, the course and exam must be completed by August 31, 2022.

The sky is the limit. Never Stop Learning!