Developing through continuous learning: Advice for Professional Staff

^{Maria Bennett, Manager – Children’s Services}

Before MGSM scholarship recipient Maria Bennett completed her Graduate Certificate in Management last year, she thought learning would mostly come through formal study.

“A year down the track I have a completely different perspective,” she says. “The scholarship gave me a fantastic skeleton of theory and knowledge which has been brought to life through the practical application of my knowledge at work. Accounting is the perfect example of this – although in class I learnt the theory of creating a balance sheet, it was only after spending time putting this into practice that I was then able to create one myself.”

Organisation Development Consultant Fiona Cross says professional development involves viewing all of your experiences as potential learning opportunities.

“When we think about professional development, many of us think about what workshops or courses we can enrol in. While there is a place for this type of learning, it’s only a small part of the picture.”

One way to approach professional development is the 70:20:10 model, which estimates that 70% of our learning comes through experience, 20% from other people, and 10% from formal learning.

Experience – 70%

Set development goals. Identifying goals helps us become focused, effective learners. When setting your development goals, think about the skills you need to develop in your current role and potential future roles. Record your development goals in the PDR system. Aim for three goals with two to three activities for each.
Look for opportunities. If for example you would like to develop your project management skills, identify opportunities to develop these skills in your role. Can you take on some of the management of an existing project you are involved in? Could you start a small project group to address a need or challenge you have identified?
Share your learning. Explaining to others is a good test of how well you understand something – plus it’s a great way to support colleagues. Have you read an article lately that’s worth sharing in your next team meeting?
Ask for feedback. Although daunting, it’s one of the best ways to fast-track your development. Be specific about the feedback you are seeking and ensure you ask the right person.
Reflection is a powerful way to synthesise and abstract the key lessons taught by experience. Take time out after a significant piece of work to think about what worked well and what could be improved.

Other people – 20%

Identify a colleague with the skills you are looking to develop. What are the opportunities to observe these skills in action? Sit in on a meeting with them, have coffee with them or ask them to mentor you through a project you are working on.
Develop networks. Connect with a peer group or external network to access diverse perspectives, current thinking and best practice. For example, can you connect a group of colleagues in similar roles to discuss common challenges and opportunities?

Formal learning– 10%

There are a number of formal study/development options at Macquarie, including:

Skill development workshops: Attend on campus workshops facilitated by experts in their field to enhance your skills across a range of areas from influencing key stakeholders to building your emotional resilience.
Development Grants. Identify a development opportunity relevant to your role and apply for a grant. Applications are open now until 21 April.
MGSM scholarships. Develop your management skills through the Graduate Certificate of Management. Four scholarships are on offer to Professional staff each year. Applications are open now until 21 April.
MQ Postgraduate Scholarships. Develop skills in your field by completing a postgraduate course at Macquarie. Two scholarships are on offer each year. Applications are open now until 21 April.
Study for Staff. Attend a lecture series without enrolling in a degree program, paying tuition fees or undertaking assessment activities.
Lynda.com. Access a huge library of videos by recognised industry experts on topics including Microsoft Office suite, project management, and communication.