Continuous learning is not rocket science
On learning organizations, AI in 2026 and the art of a foot clamp
Hey there,
I do survival runs (or maybe you know the sport as obstacle runs). You have to run, climb ropes, cross beams and all sorts of other crazy things.
An important element is the foot clamp: you jump onto a rope, swing your feet up and clamp them tight. I used to do this mainly with brute force: really pulling hard with my arms. But that costs a huge amount of energy.
My trainer Niels immediately said: that can be much easier. It should be about technique rather than strength.
After a lot of practice, the foot clamp keeps getting better. With the right technique, you 'stand' on the rope. That costs me much less arm strength, which means I can keep going much longer.
It made me realize that learning and unlearning such an exercise is a great metaphor for learning and innovating within organizations. Because there too, you sometimes have to let go of old habits to make room for something better.
Happy reading!
Peter
Three tips for becoming a learning organization
Organizations that continuously learn innovate faster and make fewer mistakes. Professor Adam Grant calls this the key trait of successful organizations. But how do you actually stimulate learning in your organization?
Here are three tips:
Make knowledge sharing the default, not the exception. When people freely share what they know, the whole organization learns faster.
Use Kolb's learning cycle: alternate between doing, reflecting, thinking, and experimenting. Most teams get stuck in one mode, usually just doing. Real learning happens when you move through all four stages.
Skills and knowledge aren't enough. Attitude matters most. Address people's willingness and intention to learn, not just their ability.
And more...
Articles, books, podcasts, videos, documentaries and more on this topic.
On March 20 and 21, the PKM Summit takes place in Utrecht. PKM stands for personal knowledge management. During the summit, participants share how they store, process and share their digital information. Sounds boring and nerdy, but I think it's amazing. 🤓
On the Friday, I'll definitely be there. Send a reply if you're coming too, and we'll meet up!
Earlier I wrote this newsletter about learning organizations and knowledge management.
Jeff Su is one of my favorite YouTubers. Especially because of the great content, the tight pace and the corny jokes. Watch this video if you want to learn more about AI this year.
Thanks 🙏
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