Learning at work is work, and we must make space for it
That you should “always be learning” is absolutely true. It helps with neuro-plasticity and keeps you engaged.That said, as a manager I find it hard to get direct reports to accept sometimes that it is not only okay, but required, by me that they learn new things. I do what I can to encourage it, offer to buy books for people, give time to do online course work, etc. They often complain that they don’t feel like they are “Working” even though I explain to them that as long as its work/business related I will expect to be able to call upon them in the future with this new knowledge.So what can I do as a manager to make it more “okay” to spend time at work learning?