Author: Esther Merrick; EVP, Learning and Strategic Innovation
Fostering a culture of learning and development is necessary in any organization to ensure we are well-positioned to innovate, deliver, and adapt to shifting cultural and economic landscapes around us. The number of quotes that exist around the importance of learning are endless; thus, underscoring this key tenant for success. So, how do we create an organizational culture that encourages team members to continuously increase their knowledge and skills?
Employees often comment regarding a need for better training and opportunities to acquire knowledge. Yet, often when such opportunities arise, these same team members are too busy to take advantage of them. Why is this? Study after study has produced the same reason: TIME! In a world where we have very little extra time, it is our responsibility (as leaders) to supply the support, time, motivation, and materials needed to increase human capital.
Last year, the BK Leadership Team evaluated our key differentiators– what makes us unique in the industry? One of the key themes that emerged was our commitment to a culture of learning to equip team members to create BK FANS FOR LIFE.
Out of this work, BK Academy was born, a one-stop shop for all learning and development efforts within the organization. BK Academy is a firm-wide commitment to providing team members with the time and resources needed to stretch beyond their comfort zone and be challenged to new levels of thought and skill.
During the building stage of BK Academy, we realized the following requirements must be met to ensure this commitment to training is sustained in our organization:
- Establish a team focus on learning opportunities.
- Create a SAFE environment = safety zone for learning.
- Provide time and space for team members to learn during normal business hours.
- Encourage dreaming – when you are empowered to dream you provide ownership in what WE do as an organization.
- Invest in our leaders and provide tools for successful implementation and application! We are not all born leaders and even if we were we would not have the experience needed to implement consistently and successfully.
- Train on processes that are to come, so that your team is not sprinting once that process goes live.
- Provide education on all products offered and train prior to going live. Communication and clarity are key!
- Learn with and walk beside your team members.
- Have fun and know how to laugh! The more we learn with one another the stronger we are!
At BK we are committed to cultivating a culture of learning and development. Why?
- Because we experience the value of team members understanding the why’s and how’s behind what BK does!
- Knowledge creates an environment that provides clarity, room to innovate, and encourages WHAT Ifs!
Brady & Kosofsky is like no other, and our secret sauce lies within our team members. Thanks to a dedicated training and development effort, we are building cutting-edge workflows, designed by team members who are equipped and trained to dream big!
