Did you know? An overwhelming number of professionals — 66% according to a recent survey by LinkedIn Learning — say that they feel more confident after they spend time learning. Creating more confidence and ease at work isn’t a one-and-done investment, but with a consistent routine, it can take only minutes of your time.

Take advantage of your free LinkedIn Learning account

All UCOP staff now have free access to LinkedIn Learning. Learn how to get started today!

How to fit learning into your day

Making time to learn doesn’t need to be a major commitment. Instead, look for content you can consume in short bursts — under five minutes. Set yourself up for success with learning moments that are easy to fit into your day, such as:

• On the train, while you commute to and from work
• During your coffee break
• To fill the downtime between meetings
• When a meeting ends early or gets canceled — fill that “found” time with learning
• To redirect prime procrastination times — instead of going to the office kitchen, queue up a course!

Make a learning habit stick by scheduling time

Try scheduling 10 minutes per week to learn and see what happens. (Hint: You can event set this goal within the LinkedIn Learning platform. LinkedIn Learning will track your progress and give a trusted nudge to help you stay motivated.)

Start with “bite-size” courses

Try these bite-size tips to take small (and mighty!) steps towards growth.

• Time Management Tips
  Tune in for productivity boosters, from the simple (Power Tips for Sending Email, 3m 14s) to the big picture (Positive Procrastination, 3m 15s). Time spent here is time management expert approved!
• Management Tips Weekly
  Each video includes two tips to help motivated managers improve relationships, navigate tricky situations and drive the business forward, like Managing a Multigenerational Workforce (2m 53s) or Keeping A Virtual Team Connected (2m 27s).
• Personal Effectiveness Tips
  Being a strong leader means being willing to develop and manage yourself, and this series of videos guides you down that path. Dig in with learning how to Say No without Alienating People (3m 16s) and Hold Yourself Accountable for Results (2m 38s).

Try a full-length course — step by step

You don’t need to learn a full course in one sitting. There are always clear stopping points along the way, making it easy to dive in and out of full-course concepts.

1. Leading with Applied Improv
   Here’s your chance to learn leadership skills from a comedian. In the Three Key Principles of Improv video (1m 21s), learn how presence, acceptance and trust are key improv skills for becoming a natural leader.
2. High-Stakes Communication
   We all find ourselves in high-stakes situations like presenting to executives or asking for a raise. Learn to Manage Your Mindset (3m 41s) to stay cool as a cucumber when these moments arise.
3. Creating Your Personal Brand
   It’s not easy to put your finger on your personal brand, but you’ll there with Defining Your Current Brand (2m 58s) and Creating Your Desired Brand (2m).
4. Professional Networking
   Ditch the small talk and fretting about being fake. Succeed at networking by being yourself. Watch The Art of Giving Back (3m 33s) for ideas on how to make yourself useful to contacts in ways that they’ll truly appreciate.

Remember: Investing in learning—bite by bite—is investing in yourself. When you build learning into your workplace self-care routine, you’ll be joining the ranks of professionals who use learning to improve in their job, change their mindset, and boost confidence.

This article was adapted from the LinkedIn Learning blog.

About

View all post by