You live and learn

“Learning is what most adults will do for a living in the 21st century.” - Alfred Edward Perlman (born 1902); Civil Engineer, Businessman

As a copywriter, I recently came to the realisation that I’ve been forgetting to do something incredibly important to my craft – reading.

In my world of storytelling, character capture, tone of voice, branding, poetry – words are the tools I use daily. But when I’m doing my best work – is when I’m putting into my mind, as much as I am expressing. To me, reading is learning and whenever I’m learning, I’m inspired and when I’m inspired – I write better.

Learning and the opportunity to learn are the most valuable experiences we can have today. At every stage and every strata of a company or organisation – the gift of knowledge, new skills and the bestowing of new responsibilities and challenges – changes an employee from a ‘worker’ to a member of a team, a brand ambassador and a loyal supporter.

In an economy where staff retention feels like sand slipping through your fingers – what makes someone stay? I’ve reflected upon my own career before starting The Quick Word Company. I’ve worked in both corporate settings and creative environments – but when I was happiest in either of them, was when I was being given the opportunity to learn.

I have looked at what made me leave the positions and every time, it was when I stopped feeling like I was learning, and pushing myself. As we meet clients, more and more we’re seeing the concerns about how to attract and keep staff, how to make them feel valued and part of a team. I think the secret is learning. Anyone at any level will have a sense of value, when you show them that you’re investing in their skills, their knowledge and their abilities.

 “The secret to mastery in any field is to forever be a student.” - Martin Palmer

As my own business owner, that responsibility lies with me now. If I want to feel inspired, I have to keep learning. So us Quick-Worders are going to read – and read – and read – and read – until there’s nothing left to do, but write – better than we thought we could.

Learn and encourage those around you to do the same. You’ll see the true value in people.