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  If you find yourself in a similar role at a new company or a very different role, there would evidently be times of doubt on how to go about your new role. Some large companies organize orientations, HR meetings, and perhaps, client introductions. However, training or no training, it’s really up to you to figure out what you need to do as the first few months on the job are often about learning exactly how you fit into the big picture of the company.
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Learning on-the-job otherwise known as On-the-job training is a form of training carried out by employees at the workplace in order to familiarize them with the working environment. On-the-job training is beneficial for both employers and employees, part of the reasons for on-the-job training is for the employees to learn how to face the challenges that tend to occur during the performance of the job. For the employers, it is beneficial because it narrows down and prepares the skilled employees, who are right for the company. Employees trained on the job are important assets for the company, because they inculcate the company’s values, strategy, and goals that can cover more areas than just the tasks in their job description. There are basic strategies needed to properly learn-on-the-job, some of which include:

  1. Meet and Learn from those who know

In most business organizations, there is unlikely to be a training program, so possibly you’ll need to set up a meeting time with a nearby colleague or even your manager. In the course of these meetings, they can walk you through what you need to do to get started and familiarize yourself with the business processes. Take good notes and follow the process, and you may walk away from your first day with enough fuel to power through, until you find your stride.

  1. Ask Questions

Most companies or organizations don’t give you the opportunity for a formal introduction to your new job, however, asking questions is a great way to learn how things are done while also getting to know your co-workers. When you ask questions, you are clarifying and seeking to understand the situation and people involved.
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While trying to ask questions, ensure you don’t interrupt your colleagues with one question after another, but keep a running list as you dive in, and address a number of queries at once. Try asking questions that are more open-ended so that you can get a more expressive description from the other party.

  1. Get used to Learning

Since you want to learn on the job, you have to make learning a habit, by setting realistic and achievable learning goals. Commit to your goal and ensure you are always open to learning, unlearn and re-learn. You may want to find an accountability partner, so that you have a supportive network to keep you on track for each learning opportunity.

  1. Find a Mentor or Trusted Advisor

Being new to a job means that you will need someone whom you can talk things out with, in order to learn at work. A mentor or trusted advisor can provide you with a secure space to express your feelings and things you don’t understand about your job, without being judged.

  1. Get Support

Let your manager and colleagues know that you are open to always learning and doing better. This way, they will likely expose you to on-the-job opportunities that are aligned with your learning needs and the organization’s goals. This will give you an opportunity to achieve your learning goals, based on your career aspirations and their observations of your performance. The most effective way to learn at work is on-the-job, some companies have built-in infrastructure and processes to help you learn, while others will trust that you’re able to figure it out, either way, it is important you apply these strategies in order to speed up your growth in your new role. This means you need to identify your learning goals, create a learning habit, and identify on-the-job experiences that will effectively facilitate your learning. Featured Image Source: The Alliance Center
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This article was first published on 30th November 2021

grace-christos

Grace Christos Is a content creator with a proven track record of success in content marketing, online reputation management, sales strategy, and so much more.

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