How to ignite agile and engaged learning?

In the continuously evolving world of personal development, the Agile and Engaged Learning breakfast event, hosted by MinnaLearn and Splended, sparked curiosity, networking, and ownership in the realm of learning and professional growth. Held on a bright Thursday morning, this event brought together learning professionals eager to explore the transformative nature of agile learning. Here, we highlight some of the key takeaways of the event.

One of the major highlights was the opportunity for attendees to share experiences with their peer learning professionals. The power of connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing experiences, and exchanging ideas cannot be overstated. It was a reminder that we are not alone on our learning journey and that the support and insights of our peers can propel us forward. Read the five key takeaways here.

Mirva Vimpari, People & Organisational Lead at Futureplay Games, and Marjut Sadeharju, Chief Learning Officer at Splended, discussed how agile learning can be enabled in practice. Agile learning empowers individuals to take ownership of their learning and design a meaningful future where wellbeing and work coexist. By embracing ownership, employees gain the power to shape their own destiny and make an impact on their teams. 

Vimpari highlighted the value of embracing curiosity and bravery. Employees need to be encouraged to voice what they need to learn, identifying their unique growth areas and setting personal development goals. By placing the responsibility for learning in the hands of individuals, organisations can create a culture where everyone is actively engaged in their own learning journey. This happens through trying things out, collecting data and collaborating with a wide network of stakeholders. 

Hands-on experiences must drive the majority of learning. However, the challenges associated with sharing learning experiences must be acknowledged, leading to a discussion on the importance of fostering a culture of social learning. By actively engaging teams in these practices, individuals can create a thriving environment of continuous growth and joint development.

One of the key highlights was the importance of prioritising learning in our lives. Liisa Lähteenaho, HR Business Partner at Housemarque, encouraged participants to enable specific learning time for employees. In her company every second Friday is dedicated to learning, debunking the misconception that there is never enough time. By setting aside regular time for personal development, individuals can turn learning into an integral part of their daily practices and career development.

The event shed light on the pivotal role of People operations in modern workplaces. HR professionals were encouraged to actively engage with employees, seeking to understand their motivations for joining or abstaining from learning events. By asking for feedback, organising relevant events, and being attentive to employees’ needs, HR professionals can empower individuals. Additionally, this fosters a sense of belonging and encourages a curiosity-driven pursuit of relevant skills and knowledge.

Lähteenaho rationalised the stages of learning. At first, learning entails an emerging curiosity, where learning is seen as fun and exciting. As individuals progress, they encounter engaged curiosity, where learning becomes a discomforting experience. Attendees were reminded that discomfort is an essential part of the learning journey, likening it to increasing physical fitness. The brain, just like the body, requires exercise to transform. 

Different interventions were discussed to help individuals stay engaged during these discomforting moments. It was emphasised that anything easy and fun tends to be forgotten, while the discomfort involved in learning makes it effective and transformative. In the pursuit of personal and professional development, we should embrace the discomfort and ignite engaged curiosity to foster learning and growth that span throughout our lives.