Ok, so we’re pretty focused on the meaning of learning being that “learning is only said to have taken place when you can observe a relatively permanent change in behaviour” – this comes primarily from skill acquisition approaches to learning, but really applies to all of the behaviour change work we get involved in. Too often learning simply focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, without necessarily holding the “learner” accountable to making a specific change as a result of the information they’ve gained. When it comes to personal performance, the more action focused definition of learning is definitely the way forward.
Therefore, when we ask you, “what have you learned this week?”, we’re really asking “from things that have happened this week, how will you be refining, changing or confirming your future actions?”
So, ask yourself, are you really learning? Are you simply gathering knowledge about what should be done differently, but not actually making any changes? Are you clear on how you will make the changes required to put your new knowledge into new performance? Are you engaging others with your learning so that they help you implement self-chosen change?
John Wooden said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that really counts”, which therefore really means it’s all about the changes you make, not the new knowledge you acquire.
Hold yourself accountable to implementing your new knowledge if you really want to be a world class learner and true elite performer.