By – Deva Narayan
In a world of constant change, we are required to learn and develop new skills all the time. Traditional education systems simply aren’t able to keep up with the pace of change presented by technology, industry demands, and shifts in the work that we do. Micro-skills are focused, bite-sized learnings that can be easily grasped and implemented. They present a new paradigm in education and professional development – given the right context, individuals can make disproportionate returns on small amounts of learning.
What are Microskills?
Micro-skills are the little things that, together, build into a larger skill. Micro-skills stand on their own—they can be learned in isolation from all other skills. A micro-skill takes no more than an hour or two to acquire—and many take just a few minutes. For instance, within the skill of digital marketing, you might have a micro-skill for Facebook ads one for SEO and another for AdWords.
The beauty of micro-skills is that you can apply them immediately and they are directly relevant to what you’re trying to achieve or where you know there are gaps in your capabilities. It’s kind of like mini-skill injections to enhance your existing repertoire without the need for longer-term, more intensive programs. And it’s particularly well-suited to fast-paced industries where things evolve so quickly, being able to ‘plug-’n-play’ new information quickly will make the difference between being on top or falling behind.
The Benefits of Learning Micro-skills
One of the biggest advantages of this type of focused learning, through micro-skills, is that it allows professionals to adapt quickly to changes in a work environment. As technology continues to advance and industries shift, so do the skills required to perform certain jobs. Professionals who can identify and acquire micro-skills relevant to their profession will always be one step ahead of their peers.
Another benefit is the increased confidence that results from learning something new. Not only does learning and applying a micro-skill help expand what you’re capable of professionally, but it also can give you a sense of satisfaction that comes with achieving something. As you become motivated to learn more, this self-propagating cycle will drive your personal growth even further.
Micro-skills are also a great option for people who don’t have time to return to school or would rather not spend the time or money on classes. With many people struggling to find enough time in their day for work, family, and other obligations as it is, the fact that most micro-skills can be learned in small bites makes them a much more realistic way to continue growing.
Applying Micro-Skills in the Workplace
There are real-world impacts and implications to applying micro-skills in the workplace. A project manager who is exposed to a micro-skill (e.g., learning about new project management software) usable with immediate application can increase organizational efficiency, work through others more effectively and efficiently within newly designed processes, collaborate better with team members, generate higher quality products and services all while rendering overall better projects results.
Micro-skills’ power lies in their ability to offer quick, relevant learning that can be immediately applied to achieve significant outcomes. In a world where change is constant and time is limited, the focused learning that micro-skills provide is a game-changer. By embracing this approach, individuals and organizations alike can unlock new potential, drive innovation, and remain competitive in the face of ongoing challenges and opportunities.