We live and work in what has come to be known as a VUCA environment; that is, Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. In times of such rapid change and increasing complexity, the importance of continuous, ongoing learning is impossible to overstate. Ongoing learning separates those who thrive from those who merely survive – or are rendered obsolete. In this interactive session, Chalmers shares a new framework and new distinctions designed to help participants better understand what keeps us from learning, as well as what helps us and supports us – as adults – in our ongoing learning. The role of Emotional Intelligence is included, as it plays a powerful role in “orienting” us toward or away from the continuous learning that’s required for success. In addition, the role of our physical bodies and biology is explored, as it’s clear that learning “about” is not the same as learning “to do”. For the latter, our bodies are necessarily involved – which takes us to the importance of practice, rigor and a structure of accountability. Additionally, the difference between competence and confidence is explored and discussed, as well as the ways in which shifting our understanding in these areas may support us in acquiring the new skills and new practices required in our organizations and in our lives.
Participants will acquire a powerful new framework and “lens” through which to see and understand the process and phenomenon of adult, lifelong learning. They will explore and clarify for themselves real-life “friends” and “enemies” of learning, and develop practical strategies for optimizing their own learning. Participants will improve their levels of self-awareness and self-responsibility related to key moodspaces that have been shown to either hinder or accelerate learning, and they will strengthen their ability to create a workplace environment conducive to the ongoing learning and adapting that is needed for success in our VUCA world.
