Unexpected Discoveries: Encouraging Serendipitous Learning

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How can we help create momentum around looking for and “seeing” the unexpected? How can we encourage employees to take the time and explore resources to see new topics for learning and discover new ideas outside their immediate job responsibilities? This was a fun conversation with many ideas. I found that many of the ideas could also be applied to our Coffee Chat about Creative Debriefing. Debriefing Video here Debriefing Podcast Episode here I like how the conversation included thoughts about our responsibility as L&D people. How are we embracing serendipity? Are we present and aware? If we aren't exploring the environment around us, how can we expect others to do the same? Here are some quick ideas to encourage exploration: Let go of control and allow people to explore. This means deviating from the script. Put up guardrails to help the thinking process. Provide learners with themes to search and discover. Help to connect discovery to application. Ask deeper questions. Learn how to uncover stories and then to how to share them. Share this knowledge with participants. Help participants connect to their surroundings. Promote observational skills. But it all begins with trust. Sharing unexpected moments requires that the participants trust us with their thoughts and ideas. If we haven't bridged the trust issue, engaging and encouraging deeper learning will be hard. Get chat video recording here Get your copy of the chat message box here Get the transcript here Download these! New Conceptualizations of Practice: Common Principles in Three Paradigms Suggest New Concepts for Training - Schmidt, R. A., & Bjork, R. A. (1992) 5 Questions to Help You Explore Serendipity Read these! The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck by Christian Busch Think Again by Adam Grant Through the Lens of Serendipity: Helping Others Discover the Best in Themselves--Even if Life has Shown Them Its Worst by Allyson Apsey Serendipitous Discoveries from the Bookshelf by Alexander Atkins Be part of the Community Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here. Join the conversation Be part of the live chat! Sign up here. Hire Learning Rebels When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more Host: Shannon Tipton