In the fast-paced corporate environment, the ability to learn and unlearn is crucial for both employees and organizations. This article delves into the importance of distinguishing between what to learn and what to unlearn, drawing parallels from nature and providing actionable insights for corporate success.
The adage "as difficult as it is to learn, so difficult it is to unlearn" holds significant relevance in the corporate world. Employees and organizations often struggle to unlearn outdated practices, leading to stagnation and inefficiency.
The difficulty of unlearning can be traced back to evolutionary biology. For instance, plants adapted to high altitudes often fail to thrive in coastal regions, even when all climatic conditions are replicated. Similarly, animals raised in captivity struggle to survive in the wild. This phenomenon is not just about adaptation but also about the ingrained learning that resists change.
Adaptation involves two types of learning:
While the former is often forgotten once adaptation occurs, the latter leaves a lasting memory, making it difficult for organisms to accept new environments. This inability to unlearn past adaptations is a significant barrier to change.
In the corporate setting, employees often showcase their talents to secure a job but then focus on learning how to retain it. This shift in focus leads to the unlearning of the very skills that got them hired in the first place.
Many talented employees live unfulfilled lives in their current roles because they are unwilling to change jobs. They cling to the secondary learning of job retention, forgetting their primary learning of skill development. This paradox creates a cycle of dissatisfaction and underutilization of talent.
To thrive in the corporate world, employees must learn to unlearn outdated practices and be open to re-learning new skills. This flexibility is essential for personal and organizational growth.
The ability to unlearn is as crucial as the ability to learn. In the corporate world, this skill can make the difference between stagnation and success. By embracing the need to unlearn and re-learn, employees and organizations can adapt to changing environments and thrive.
Dr. S. Ranganathan, Director, ClinRise Derma Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
Learn more from the management book – ‘Jungle Wisdom for Corporate Management – Lessons from the University of Nature’ by Swami Sukhabodhananda and Dr. S. Ranganathan
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