School’s in session

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007 | 1 p.m.

Summer vacation is over and school is back in session. Young people across the nation are waking up early again, their minds poised to receive knowledge from their dedicated instructors. I remember my days in high school and college. I couldn’t wait to get to class. I approached school as so many other students do, with unbridled enthusiasm.

I’ve been out of school for a really long time and I miss those exciting times; those days of anticipation—not knowing exactly what each day would bring, but knowing that each day would be filled with learning and growing.

Watching my own kids get ready for school makes me realize there are many things we can do to tap our businesses into the energy and excitement of a new year.

Set personal learning goals—This time of year seems like a particularly good time to reflect upon our individual learning and set our sights on what is next. Many of us in business devote so much time to our work and our careers that we forget about ourselves and our own growth and learning. Take a class, study, get a certification you’ve wanted. Learn something that is meaningful to you—doing so is bound to help your business in some direct or indirect way.

Set business learning goals—Not many businesses have adopted learning goals, but almost all businesses should. This concept has tremendous potential for your business. I suggest starting out simple. Ask yourself and your colleagues, “What one or two things, if we learned as a business, would significantly change our business for the better?” Ask the question, get feedback from your associates, and then put a plan together to infuse this knowledge into everyone in your organization.

Guest lecture at a school—This is a great way to both teach and learn , while also contributing to your community. It’s quite simple. Just call your local high school or college and offer to speak on a topic—most likely you will receive an eager acceptance. I’ve found that most instructors jump at the chance to connect their students to the business community. The students will have the opportunity to gain from your knowledge and, in addition to the satisfaction of giving to your community, you’ll hone your public speaking skills and learn your topic that much better.

Participate in a job shadowing program—There are many students who are trying to figure out their next course of study and an eventual career path. By offering to let a student shadow you during the course of your day, he or she will get a chance to see your profession in meaningful way. The experience the student will have is irreplaceable, and equally as good are the questions the student will ask you. Interested but inexperienced people have a knack for asking seemingly simple, innocent questions which will have you looking at your business in an entirely new way.

Hire an intern—Hire an intern for the holiday break, and plan to hire one for next summer. Every business can benefit from the transfusion that the energy of a young, open mind can bring. Additionally, it’s an inexpensive chance to check out a potential future employee. It’s an opportunity to train and mold new talent to fit your company’s culture.

School’s in session. Plan carefully.

I’d like to hear from you:

* What do you do to connect your business with our education system?

* Does your business set learning goals? How are they achieved?

* Do you make time for personal learning and renewal?

Until next week…

Craig