shared experience
Last week Mike and I went to Barcelona for METM, the annual Mediterranean Editors and Translators Meeting.
It was a great opportunity to share my knowledge, learn from others, admire the work of Gaudí… and eat some patatas bravas.
I’m a great fan of this conference format, which combines professional learning and networking with ample time for relaxation.
Taking time off work
Why mix business and pleasure – attend a workshop in the morning and visit the Palau Guell (highly recommended) in the afternoon? First, because it would be a shame to go abroad and not take in some local culture. We’ve been to the Catalonian capital several times before and are particularly fond of Antoni Gaudí’s nature-inspired architecture. This time, we headed to the palace he designed for his patron Eusebi Güell, and to Casa Milà, which he considered his finest work.
Apart from seeing some amazing sights, the time spent not focusing on work helps you take in what you’ve learnt.When you are not focused on anything in particular, your mind wanders and that’s when your brain makes new connections and commits knowledge to memory. That’s also why you often find the solution to a problem while walking in the woods, having spent hours pondering it at your desk. Breaks enable creativity.
So, if you think you lack the time for training, remember that time off work benefits your business. Even more so if you’re a knowledge worker! A rest can be more productive than a hard slog.
Training: cost or investment?
On a balance sheet, training is an expenditure. Which is a shame, because it’s actually an investment! A training course can give us a different approach to our business, new ways of doing things, and update our knowledge. Managers, entrepreneurs, executives, employees… we can all learn something directly or indirectly applicable to our work. Of course, training uses resources: money, time and energy. Yet it also yields benefits in terms of personal (and therefore professional) growth. True, when you’re on a course, you’re not directly contributing to your bottom line. However, learning is growing your business all the same.
Training makes for an agile mind
Learning affects neuroplasticity, your brain’s ability to make neuronal connections throughout your life. When you feed your brain something new, it literally creates new pathways. Learning doesn’t fill your head, cramming more in, it transforms your brain.
That’s good news. It means we can learn at any age. In fact, regular cognitive stimulation improves our ability to learn. In short, the more learning you do, the better you’re able to learn. Exercise, low stress levels, quality sleep and social interaction all have a positive influence on neuroplasticity.
The pleasure of learning together
A training course is a break from the ordinary. An escape from the treadmill! Often, it’s like being in a bubble with the other participants. That special space is where learning can happen. It helps us think and act differently.
To some, time spent on a course feels like play time. It’s a great opportunity to be among colleagues without the pressure of day-to-day work, to talk properly, to form different teams and forge new ties. Taking pleasure in learning improves the end result. Emotions play a role in memorisation.
And there’s something very pleasant about measuring your progress. The success of language learning app Duolingo is not surprising. Celebrating small successes spurs you on. It’s addictive!
When are you going to step away from the desk to learn something new? Be careful! You might get hooked!
