The Accelerated Manager
Clive Lewis, MD of Illumine, argues that managers start applying AL techniques to the everyday challenges they face.
Accelerated Learning (AL) is a must for managers. Why? Because of information overload. For our personal and business lives we simply have to find smarter ways to sort, absorb and handle the increasing quantity of information that comes our way. But what exactly is AL? Here are its five key components.
1. Managing our resources. AL addresses the value of managing both our own mental state and our environment. In essence we need to be ready to engage positively with new material as well as looking at when, where and how we can best take in new information and learning.
2. Understanding representational systems. What preferences do we have for the way new information is presented? Do we like to see it (visual), hear it (auditory) or try it out (kinaesthetic)? Once people understand their preferences then they can adjust accordingly and this can make a dramatic difference to how they learn.
…practise, as part of learning boosts confidence, energy and skill levels….
3. Addressing the seven intelligences. AL theory postulates that there are seven intelligences - mathematical/logical, linguistic, visual/spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical and musical intelligence. So what would it be like for you to Mind Map® as a way of using visual/spatial intelligence, work in a group in order to utilise your interpersonal intelligence or build in reflection time as a way to recognise your need for intrapersonal intelligence?
4. Practising the skills. What do you do with new information? If you don’t find a way to practise or apply it then you will never get it ‘into the muscle’. Practise, as part of learning boosts confidence, energy and skill levels.
5. Reviewing over time. Finally AL emphasises the need for review. It is amazing how much knowledge gets lost when the review phase isn’t built in. Reviewing is all about our commitment to make the most of our capacity to learn so that instead of losing around 80% of new information within 24 hours we totally reverse this trend.
…one of the barriers to accelerated learning can be people’s own experience and beliefs…
So this is the territory for accelerated learning. It’s not a hard set of highly defined rules of engagement. Rather it’s about learning in the way that works best for us. It’s about stimulation and ease of effort. It’s about imagination and productivity. It’s about relaxation and speed.
Of course one of the barriers to accelerated learning can be people’s own experience and beliefs. Let’s take Mind Mapping as an illustration of this.
Mind Mapping is one of those developments in understanding and learning technology that has so many benefits that it makes you wonder why anyone, once they know about it, would ever continue to work in any other way. In essence it provides us with a visual technique which mirrors the way we think. As such it is brilliant for learning, for note taking, for creative thinking, for planning and a hundred other projects besides.
So how come it isn’t used everywhere, all the time?
The answer to this is that people are not taught from an early age about the power and value of Mind Mapping. Perhaps it is also the fact that in business bright colours and pictures (the mapping part of Mind Mapping) are seen as somehow less impressive than weighty, grey lists - even when those lists never get read or acted upon. The time is ripe to challenge such beliefs.
…accelerated learning helps us here because it’s all about understanding how to combine right brain and left brain thinking…
Another great AL technology which ties in with people’s needs for improved performance is speed-reading. Around 30-50% of all our time at work is spent reading so who wouldn’t want to double or treble their reading speed as well as improve their retention of information? It’s possible with a little practise because we now understand how the eye and the brain work. For anyone who wants to become a master of the information age speed-reading is an absolute must and can offer dramatic improvements in performance.
Then what about the AL technique that can help you to think on your feet?
We all need to improvise on occasions. In sales or negotiation situations, in team meetings and during formal presentations it’s out ability to go off-piste that adds colour and impact. But how can we improvise confidently?
Accelerated learning helps us here because it’s all about understanding how to combine right brain and left brain thinking. Left brain structure provides the framework for organised improvisation - much like a repertoire of chords supports the creativity of the musician. So when we are in situations when we have to present ourselves clearly we need to keep in mind that ‘structure supports spontaneity’. Our right brain can then add the colour. This is about the stories and anecdotes we tell, the metaphors we use, our pace and personal style. And by following this simple ‘flight plan’ we can build up tremendous self-assurance.
Now this outline provides the bare essentials of Illumines ‘Think On Your Feet™’ programme. But the key point about all these skills is they provide examples of how AL can be used in business by managers and staff.
So if you are suffering from ‘information fatigue’ don’t despair. The mental productivity tools are out there. You just need the training that will show you and your team how to use them.
Tags: Accelerated Learning, Mind Mapping, Think On Your Feet® (Training)