Debbie's Staffing Services

Tip of the Week

TIP OF THE WEEK

Be Your Own Boss When It Comes to Learning:

Every once in a while it's useful to ask questions like, "Who's in charge of my learning?" "Where's my learning taking me?" and "What should I be learning next?"

To help you reflect on your learning, try the "Worksite Learning Test." It's entirely unscientific, but it may help focus your thinking on ways to put yourself in charge of your own learning.

Worksite Learning Test
This informal checklist is designed to give you a sense of whether your learning and development activities are occurring in a systematic manner.

Check the appropriate response to each of the following:

Yes


I regularly request feedback from my supervisor and/or clients.	_____	_____

I regularly inform my supervisor and/or clients about the type of feedback I desire.	_____	_____

I regularly ask co-workers to observe me and provide feedback.	_____	_____

I regularly conduct my own performance appraisals/evaluations.	_____	_____

I regularly undertake the types of activities that I expect my clients to undertake (that is, I walk the talk).	_____	_____

My learning and development activities are based on a comprehensive personal career plan.	_____	_____

I systematically select conferences and workshops based on my combined personal development needs.	_____	_____

I systematically select books and journal articles to read based on my learning and development needs.	_____	_____

I have a network of colleagues in my field from whom I learn.	_____	_____

I keep a personal journal.	_____	_____

I have a mentor.	_____	_____

I write articles/books/manuals.	_____	_____

I give presentations/talks/speeches.	_____	_____

I am a mentor.	_____	_____

I teach others in my field.	_____	_____

I supervise others.	_____	_____

I have a personal learning and development annual budget.	_____	_____

I set a specific amount of time aside for my own learning and development activities.	_____	_____

I systematically experiment with new methods.	_____	_____

Scoring Instructions

Add your "yes" responses to get your total score. Compare your score to the table below. Please note that there is no scientific basis to the scoring system-the test is designed only to get you thinking about your own learning.

Score Meaning

0-5 You may be letting others control your learning.

6-10 Your learning could be enhanced by taking more control of it.

11-15 You manage your own learning well but could use some minor improvement.

16-20 You are in charge of your own learning.

Notice that a lot of the questions look at who's in charge: are you asking for feedback, or waiting for it? Are you being told which conferences to go to, or are you choosing them? Are you analyzing your own performance, or waiting for someone else to do it? Put yourself in charge to make sure learning takes you in the direction you want.

-ALIS-