Learning styles in the workplace

Long after we’ve received our formal education, our learning style continues to affect our lives. It colors how we process information: during a meeting, while out with friends, when watching the news on TV. And it colors your interactions with your supervisor.

If you’re given verbal instructions on a new process, for instance, is it easy for you to remember them? Are you able to successfully apply them? Or are your chances of success better if the instructions are written out? Or if someone shows you how to do it rather than tells you how?

Each example above is a learning style. The one you prefer is usually the one you have the most success with. Knowing your learning style can help you in any listening situation—at the doctor’s office, in a music lesson, and on the job. If you’re not sure what your learning style is, visit one of these three Web sites and take the free online assessment test:

www.learning-styles-online.com
www.ldpride.net/learning-style-test.html
www.chaminade.org/inspire/learnstl.htm

It will help you understand how big a part your learning style plays in your life. Share your results with your manager. By taking advantage of your learning style at work, both you and your boss will be able to prevent misunderstandings and mistakes, speed up your productivity, and reinforce the confidence you need to be successful.

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