What can I learn next?
Hard question. Behind that question is another subtle one: what can I accomplish next?
Since we live in an endless stream of learning opportunities, we need to focus on some topics, and let go of a whole lot of other topics.
To do so, a valid first step is to be aware of new learning opportunities. As the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know. For me, participating in the Agile 2011 conference is an appropriate way to get new insights for future learnings for the upcoming months.
Of these learnings, we have to create intentions from them: a declaration to act! Lyssa Adkins and Michael Spayd used the user story format to create intentions in their Agile Coach Self-Assessment session.
“I choose … as an area of development so that …”
To improve the intentions, include a list of actions in the form of ideas you already have for developing this area and resources you’ll need. More importantly, get a training buddy and share your intentions with him. Schedule something in a couple of weeks to check with him how you’re doing.
But wait a minute, when will we have time to learn all these? We already don’t have enough time! As Mr. Ramesh told us, we have to let go of some things we were doing and also some learning opportunities. Again, don’t be shy, and commit to letting go.
“I choose to stop doing … at this time.”
“I choose NOT to develop … at this time.”
Now, what can you learn next? What will you let go?