Knowledge is Power?!

Knowledge is power!

Growing up with this statement I never realized its enormous significance until I began to write my own insights (All my insights or blogs are actually generated from some power of knowledge from the various sources). I felt I needed to do something more to fuel this knowledge on regular basis. Answer I got “Upskilling ~Reskilling~Reading”

The idea that one stops learning at the end of their educational journey is no longer a viable option for professionals wanting an exciting career ahead. Learning used to stop at the commencement of one’s educational track; however, for those wanting an exciting, constantly evolving career, Upskilling (teaching oneself a new set of skills within their domain or reskilling the current domain) is the best option. A recent study found that the average  of a skill is five years, which means that five years from now, the current skills within the workforce will be half as valuable. While this seems like an overwhelming statistic, Upskilling is an easier process than most would think. 

Then I pledged & commit to spend atleast 30 mins to 60 mins on daily basis to train myself to be wiser, to be a better person, and yes, and to be ahead of my game. Theme for this entire process of Upskilling-Reskilling-Reading, I have branded that as ‘Samudra Manthan’.

 Thus I completed some 130 hours of e-learning programme on subject which not only involved Reskilling (example: Brand Development) but also Upskilling (example: marketing automation). Check out the below image of my 130 hrs training bifurcation.

Well! I didn’t rest there, and I wanted to experiment something along with it. So I took up reading related to “Marketing” since I was on reskilling task as well and so I covered some fascinating books along this journey. Check out the image of books which I read along with my e-learning reskilling programme on brand development.

130 hrs of online training programme and supported with 12 fascinating books – I can surely say I’m feeling more enlighten, more powerful and more hunger for knowledge

Needless to say, it involved little investment both in time and money. But it is simply worth it.

But unfortunately I have seen too many inhibition and myth people carry for not taking up this powerful weapon in their arsenal and some of the myth I came across:

Ø I have done my mba 15 yrs. back and I have some 12 to 13 yrs of work experience with one of the best companies – I don’t need it!

Ø I have just graduated or completed my mba programme why do I need any further education or training programme

Ø I don’t have time for this – My work experience is more than enough.

Ø I have way too many commitments both personally as well as professionally – I don’t want to waste my time (oh boy! Seriously)

Ø Last but not least sheer arrogance supported by laziness

Ø Attitude of “I know Everything”

This training is helping me immensely. I explored many things on own professional subjects which I have never thought off.  I had my “Aha Moment’. It changed my attitude. It opened doors for me that I never imagined before. It gave me more perspective about my own subject.

Some interesting quotes I came across on learning & Upskilling which kind of inspired me:

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” - Henry Ford

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F Kennedy

 “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” - B B King

Ladies & Gentlemen, so far, I have completed 130 hours of my e-learning programme, is it enough – absolutely not. I have read 12 books on my profession, is it enough – absolutely not. But is it an optional? absolutely not!

But I am absolutely inspired and keen to achieve 1300 hrs. Of training programme and read 1200 books in years to come. This is not mere wish list but personal brand vision. And Journey has already begun. Upskilling is not an option but new normal!

Why? Upskilling has emerged as a critical response to not just recover from the effects of the unprecedented crisis, but also to prepare for the ‘future of work’. As a result, Upskilling programs have transitioned from a ‘good to do’ to a ‘need to do’ action and no one else, but for that every individual needs to take their own responsibility.

It’s better to start now; before it’s too late – (Check out the below link from world economic forum: “World is facing reskilling emergency”)

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/reskilling-revolution-jobs-future-skills/

My insight:

It is often said, person who invest in himself, often bring better results for the organisation works for (Even if its own business). If the individual concern about own self, automatically there is concern for others as well & double the concern for place, brand, & more importantly people. And invariably you bring lots of value on the table when you are equipped with such powerful knowledge and knowledge which is churning on regular basis aka ‘Samudra Manthan’

But now I have come to a revise conclusion on my topic itself;

“Knowledge doesn’t make you more powerful but more human” And that’s what the biggest lesson pandemic has taught us to be more resilient and lots of humility

Just food for thought! What do you think air force guys do, when they are not on combat mission?

Stay Inspired!