The Imperative of Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning

A few days ago, a conversation with my friend and former colleague turned towards the ever-evolving nature of our professional landscape. She has since shared a quote by Alvin Toffler that has resonated deeply with me, which is "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn."

In a world where change is the only constant, Toffler's words feel more important than ever. We are living in an era defined by rapid technological advancements, shifting economic paradigms, and evolving social structures. Toffler, a futurist, recognised this trajectory decades ago, predicting that adaptability would become the most critical skill for navigating the future. It's a truth we see playing out daily.

So, what does it mean to "learn, unlearn, and relearn"? Let's break it down.

Learning is the acquisition of new knowledge or skills. It's the foundation upon which we build our understanding of the world. In the digital age, learning is no longer confined to classrooms. Online courses, podcasts, and readily available information mean that we have access to a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. For example, learning a new programming language or mastering a complex data analysis tool are prime examples of the traditional ‘learn’ process.

Unlearning, however, is where the real challenge lies. It involves shedding outdated beliefs, habits, or practices that no longer serve us. This is perhaps the most difficult aspect, as we often cling to familiar patterns, even when they hinder our progress. Consider a manager who has always relied on a top-down leadership style. In today's collaborative environment, they may need to unlearn their old approach and embrace a more participatory model. Or think of a business that has always relied on traditional marketing techniques. They may need to unlearn those methods and embrace digital marketing strategies.

Relearning is the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills that build upon or replace what we have unlearned. It is a continuous cycle of adaptation. After unlearning outdated practices, we must actively seek new and relevant information to fill the void. For instance, after unlearning a rigid management style, a manager may relearn new leadership techniques that foster collaboration and innovation. Or after unlearning traditional marketing, a company may relearn how to effectively use social media marketing and data analytics.

The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is essential for both personal and professional growth. In our careers, it allows us to remain competitive and relevant in a constantly evolving job market. Personally, it enables us to adapt to life's inevitable changes, embrace new perspectives, and live more fulfilling lives.

However, adapting to change and embracing lifelong learning is not without its challenges. Individuals may struggle with resistance to change, fear of the unknown, or a lack of time and resources. Organisations may face resistance to change from employees, outdated infrastructure, or a lack of investment in training and development.

So, how can we develop the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn? Here are some practical strategies:

• Cultivate a growth mindset: Embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and believe in your ability to improve.
• Embrace curiosity: Ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek out diverse perspectives.
• Be open to feedback: Seek constructive criticism and use it to improve your performance.
• Stay informed: Read widely, attend conferences, and engage with experts in your field.
• Practice reflective learning: Take time to reflect on your experiences and identify areas for improvement.
• Seek out learning opportunities: Enrol in online courses, attend workshops, and participate in professional development programs.
• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Do not be afraid to make mistakes, as they are an essential part of the learning process.
• Build a learning community: Surround yourself with people who are passionate about learning and growth.
• Stop Doom-Scrolling: Put down your phones and tablets, there's no learning to be had on TikTok or Instagram or Facebook.

Toffler’s quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous learning in the 21st century. It is not enough to simply acquire knowledge; we must also be willing to let go of outdated beliefs and practices and embrace new ways of thinking and doing. By cultivating the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world and thrive in the years to come. Thanks, Angeline, for sharing such a valuable insight.

If you're looking to explore Agile or refine how to unlearn and relearn, please don't hesitate to get in touch.