Mar 08, 2024

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

Imagine this: a new language, complex software, or even a daring dance routine. Remember the feeling of starting to learn something new? Exciting, a little scary, maybe even overwhelming? That’s the journey of a lifelong learner, and it’s one that businesses around the world need to champion.

Why? Because the world keeps spinning, and skills need to keep pace. Just think of the cashier replaced by a self-checkout, or the travel agent outsmarted by a booking app. Employees who embrace continuous learning are the ones who adapt, evolve, and stay ahead of the curve.

The WEF’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2020” mentions globally, “85 million jobs could be displaced by automation by 2025”. You could adapt this to state, “The World Economic Forum predicts automation will significantly impact jobs globally, highlighting the need for lifelong learning.”

But how do you cultivate a culture of curiosity and continuous learning? The answer lies in inspiration! Thankfully, TED Talks offer a treasure trove of captivating presentations that can nudge your team toward becoming lifelong learners. So, grab your headphones and get ready to be enthralled!

1. Embrace the Discomfort: Rita Pierson’s “Every Kid Needs a Champion”

Remember feeling lost and unsure while learning something new? Renowned educator Rita Pierson reminds us that this discomfort is a necessary part of the learning process. In her powerful talk, she urges us to “catch kids falling before they hit the ground.” This translates beautifully to the corporate world: create a supportive environment where your employees feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes. Encourage open communication and build a culture where vulnerability is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Watch the talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion?language=en

2. Unlearn to Learn: Michael Bungay Stanier’s “The Power of Questions”

Are you stuck in the “know-it-all” rut? Author Michael Bungay Stanier challenges us to embrace the power of asking questions. His “Thinking Questions” framework, with prompts like “What might go wrong?” and “What would surprise you?”, fosters critical thinking and sparks innovation. Implement these questions in your training sessions, team meetings, and even performance reviews. You’ll be amazed at the fresh perspectives and creative solutions that emerge! Watch the talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/steve_aguirre_the_power_of_questions

3. Cultivate Curiosity: Emily Esfahani Smith’s “There Are 3 Kinds of Curiosity – Which One Is Yours?”

Curiosity is the fuel that ignites lifelong learning. Psychologist Emily Esfahani Smith identifies three types of curiosity: intellectual, personal, and existential. Understanding your employees’ dominant curiosity type can help you tailor learning experiences accordingly. For example, intellectual learners might thrive on online courses and workshops, while personal learners might prefer peer-to-peer mentoring or coaching. Discover your team’s curiosity styles and watch the talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/emily_esfahani_smith_there_s_more_to_life_than_being_happy?language=en

4. Fail Forward: Carol Dweck’s “The Power of Yet”

Fear of failure can be a major barrier to learning. Educational psychologist Carol Dweck introduces the concept of a “growth mindset,” where intelligence and abilities are seen as malleable, not fixed. By adopting the “power of yet,” we remind ourselves that we haven’t failed, we just haven’t succeeded yet. Encourage your team to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Celebrate learning from mistakes and create a safe space for experimentation. Watch the talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve?language=en

5. Learn Anything in 20 Hours: Josh Kaufman’s “The First 20 Hours – How to Learn Anything”

Feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of knowledge available? Don’t let it paralyze you! Josh Kaufman, author of “The First 20 Hours,” debunks the myth of needing 10,000 hours to master a skill. He outlines a practical framework for acquiring new skills in just 20 hours of focused practice. Implement his “deconstruction, deliberate practice, and feedback” approach in your training programs to empower your employees to take ownership of their learning journey. Watch the talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MgBikgcWnY

Ignite the Spark: Start Your Team’s Lifelong Learning Journey Today!

These TED Talks are just the tip of the iceberg. The world of online resources, workshops, and communities dedicated to lifelong learning is vast and exciting. At Training Booth, we’re passionate about partnering with UAE organizations to create customized learning solutions that inspire and engage your workforce.

Ready to cultivate a culture of continuous learning in your organization? 

At Training Booth, we’re not just passionate about learning, we’re experts at designing and delivering impactful professional training solutions tailored specifically for the UAE workforce.

We partner with you every step of the way, from program design and development to implementation and evaluation. Our team of learning and development specialists is dedicated to helping you achieve your strategic objectives by empowering your employees to become lifelong learners and future-proof their careers.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you empower your employees to become lifelong learners and future-proof their careers.

Remember, the most valuable resource you have is your people. Invest in their development, and watch your organization soar!