The recently published article in the Economic Times finds that “Overall employability of Indian graduates dipped slightly in 2024, although proficiency in AI and ML roles improved. Increasing expectations for technical and soft skills resulted in a marginal decline, with non-technical skills requiring more development time. It also says that – increasing expectations from new talent – amid an increase in demand for graduates with a mix of technical and non-technical including soft skills such as learning agility and adaptability – resulted in a marginal decline in the employability of Indian graduates to 42.6% in 2024 from 44.3% in the previous year.”
Let’s understand the two important soft skills mentioned in this report, namely Learning Agility and Adaptability. In part 1 of this blog, we will discuss Learning Agility. In part 2, we will explore Adaptability.
What is Learning Agility?
Learning agility is the ability to rapidly learn, unlearn, and apply new knowledge in unfamiliar situations. It’s about being curious, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity to thrive in changing environments.
While such definitions are overreaching and broad, let’s see some examples:
A Marketing Specialist accustomed to traditional campaigns recognizes the growing importance of data analytics. She proactively enrolls in online courses to learn data analysis tools and techniques. She can then apply this new knowledge to optimize campaign performance, demonstrating learning agility by acquiring and applying new skills to improve her work.
Another example can be: A project Manager, used to waterfall methodologies, who faces a project with rapidly changing requirements. He quickly learns and implements Agile principles, adapting project management style to accommodate the dynamic nature of the project. This showcases learning agility by embracing new approaches and adapting to unpredictable circumstances.
And one more example can be: A Senior Executive is assigned to lead a team in a new international market. She immerses herself in the local culture, learns the language, and adapts their leadership style to suit the cultural nuances. This demonstrates learning agility by embracing new environments and adapting their behavior to achieve success in unfamiliar contexts.
Why Learning Agility is Important?
Learning agility is crucial for career advancement because the modern workplace is in constant flux. Here’s why:
- Rapid Change: Industries, technologies, and job roles are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Learning agility allows you to keep up, acquire new skills, and remain relevant.
- Increased Complexity: Work is becoming more complex, requiring professionals to handle ambiguity, solve novel problems, and make decisions with incomplete information. Learning agility equips you to navigate this complexity effectively.
- Competitive Advantage: In a competitive job market, those who can learn quickly and adapt easily have a distinct advantage. Employers value individuals who can readily take on new challenges and contribute meaningfully from day one.
- Leadership Potential: Leaders need to be adaptable and foster learning in their teams. Demonstrating learning agility positions you as someone capable of leading through change and inspiring others.
- Career Mobility: Learning agility opens doors to new opportunities, both within your current organization and beyond. It makes you more versatile and increases your chances of being considered for promotions or different roles.
- Resilience: The ability to learn and adapt helps you bounce back from setbacks and navigate career transitions more smoothly. It fosters resilience in the face of change.
In short, learning agility is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a “must-have” for career success in today’s dynamic world. It’s the key to staying ahead of the curve, embracing new challenges, and reaching your full potential.
Is Learning Agility a Talent or a Skill?
While “learning ability” might seem like a natural talent some people have, learning agility is definitely a skill.
- It’s developed: Unlike innate abilities, learning agility can be cultivated and improved through conscious effort. Just like any skill, you can practice the behaviors and mindsets that make you a more agile learner.
- It involves specific competencies: Learning agility isn’t just about absorbing information quickly. It involves a set of skills like:
- Mental agility: Thinking flexibly, questioning assumptions, and being comfortable with ambiguity.
- People agility: Collaborating effectively with diverse individuals, understanding different perspectives, and communicating clearly.
- Change agility: Adapting to new situations, embracing change, and being resilient in the face of setbacks.
- Results agility: Quickly grasping new concepts and applying them to achieve desired outcomes.
- Self-awareness: Understanding your strengths and weaknesses as a learner and seeking feedback to improve.
- It’s a process: Learning Agility involves a continuous cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning. It’s about being open to new experiences, reflecting on your learning, and adapting your approach as needed.
Think of it this way:
- Learning Ability might be your natural aptitude for understanding and remembering things.
- Learning Agility is how you use that ability to thrive in a dynamic world. It’s about being proactive, resourceful, and adaptable in your learning journey.
So, if you’re looking to boost your career prospects, focus on developing your Learning Agility. It’s a skill that will serve you well throughout your professional life!
So, How does one develop Learning Agility?
Learning agility isn’t magic, it’s a skill you can develop. Here’s a breakdown of how to cultivate it:
1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:
- Believe in your potential: Understand that intelligence and abilities are not fixed. You can learn and grow!
- Embrace challenges: View them as opportunities for learning and development, not threats.
- Persist through setbacks: Don’t give up easily. See failures as learning experiences and bounce back stronger.
So, instead of saying “I’m not good at public speaking,” someone with a growth mindset might say, “I’m not yet good at public speaking. I’ll join a Toastmasters club and practice regularly to improve.” This demonstrates a belief in the ability to develop skills.
2. Develop Key Competencies:
- Mental Agility:
- Think flexibly: Be open to new ideas, challenge your assumptions, and consider different perspectives.
- Be comfortable with ambiguity: Learn to make decisions with incomplete information and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Practice critical thinking: Analyze information objectively, identify patterns, and solve problems creatively.
- People Agility:
- Collaborate effectively: Work well with diverse teams, build relationships, and communicate clearly.
- Understand others: Develop empathy, listen actively, and appreciate different viewpoints.
- Influence and persuade: Communicate your ideas effectively and build consensus.
- Change Agility:
- Embrace change: Be open to new situations, adapt quickly, and see change as an opportunity.
- Be resilient: Bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and maintain a positive attitude.
- Manage transitions: Navigate changes effectively, both personally and professionally.
- Results Agility:
- Learn quickly: Absorb new information rapidly, identify key concepts, and apply them effectively.
- Perform under pressure: Manage stress, prioritize tasks, and deliver results in challenging situations.
- Drive for results: Be proactive, take initiative, and focus on achieving goals.
- Self-Awareness:
- Know your strengths and weaknesses: Identify areas where you excel and areas where you need to develop.
- Seek feedback: Actively ask for feedback from others and be open to constructive criticism.
- Reflect on your learning: Take time to analyze your experiences, identify lessons learned, and adjust your approach.
So, A project manager whose team is suddenly assigned a new software tool doesn’t panic. Instead, they say, “This is different from what we’re used to, but let’s explore the new software together, identify the key features, and figure out how it can improve our workflow.” This shows comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to learn. (Note: I’ve chosen Mental Agility here as it is the most commonly discussed. You could ask for examples of the other competencies as well).
3. Take Action:
- Seek new experiences: Step outside your comfort zone, volunteer for new projects, and explore different roles.
- Embrace challenges: Take on tasks that stretch your abilities and force you to learn new things.
- Experiment and learn: Don’t be afraid to try new approaches, make mistakes, and learn from them.
- Continuously learn: Read widely, attend workshops, take online courses, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Build a learning network: Connect with mentors, coaches, and peers who can support your development.
So, A sales representative who sees that online sales are increasing takes the initiative to learn about digital marketing strategies, even though it’s not strictly part of their current job description. This demonstrates proactive learning and a willingness to expand their skillset.
4. Reflect and Refine:
- Regularly assess your progress: Track your learning, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your approach as needed.
- Seek feedback: Ask for input from others on your learning agility and identify blind spots.
- Stay curious: Maintain a lifelong learning mindset and be open to new ideas and experiences.
So, after completing a challenging project, a team member takes time to reflect on what went well, what could have been done better, and what they learned from the experience. They then share these insights with their team and incorporate them into future projects. This demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
In summary, by following this structured approach, you can systematically develop your learning agility and position yourself for success in today’s dynamic world. Remember that it’s a continuous journey, so be patient, and persistent, and enjoy the process of learning and growing!
Stay tuned for Part 2! We will explore Adaptability…
… Coach Saira Kale
You can read the Economic Times Article here