Learning and development sessions present a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base of all employees in an organization. Constant learning improves employee performance and boosts morale which improves productivity and quality standards. Learning and knowledge sharing is an integral part of our values at QED42. We invest in our team’s professional as well as personal growth. Our leaders believe in building an environment that values passion and determination and emphasizes learning over knowledge.
We, at QED42, in collaboration with Choose To Thinq have been organizing interactive and informative ‘Same Page Sessions’ for our team. Such knowledge sharing sessions are the building blocks of any flourishing organization. It encourages a constant learning environment and helps in filling knowledge gaps. These empowering sessions promote an innovative mindset, increase efficiency and develop leadership qualities in an individual.
The idea behind ‘Same Page Sessions’
The intent behind these sessions was to present insights into some brilliant personal development books in an engaging way for individuals. These sessions are introduced to promote an interactive way of learning and development. This is very similar to Blinkist but with a human touch. These sessions are a holistic addition to the existing technical learning and development program of QED42.
Why Books?
Reading books makes people empathetic; it empowers them to excel at tasks and open their mind to new innovative ideas. Given the everyday hustle of life, people do not always have time to read books. Same Page Sessions are focused on providing a solution to this problem. These deep engagement sessions focus on the key takeaways from the bestselling books of renowned authors. It reinforces curiosity and learning and fosters an overall behaviour change in every employee.
We’ve had 3 same page sessions conducted at QED42 so far:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Let’s dig deeper into what goes into these sessions.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
We all have habits, good and bad; but do we know how these habits are formed and how can one change them? This breakthrough book from James Clear is the most comprehensive guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day. Based on this bestselling book, our first Same Page Session focused on the science behind our habits, empowering QEDians to:
- Build a system for constant improvement
- Break bad habits and stick to good ones
- Avoid the common mistakes most people make when changing habits
- Overcome the lack of motivation and willpower
- Develop a stronger identity and self-confidence
- Make time for new habits
- Make easy and small changes that deliver big results
Made to Stick: Why some ideas survive and others die
Have you ever wondered what goes into making an unforgettable idea? This book unveils the secret to making an idea memorable. Based on this bestseller by Heath Brothers, our second Same Page Session focused on how we can convert any idea into a sensational one based on the principle of SUCCESS - Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories. This 60-minute interactive session educated QEDians about the kind of ideas that stick and are understandable, memorable and effective in making an impact. It empowered the team in making client presentations memorable and being unforgettable and a better communicator.
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
The concept of ‘Flow’ describes a mental state where a person is completely absorbed in a challenging task. Our most recent session was based on the bestselling psychology book Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Much like the state of Flow, the session too focused on creating an engaging experience that was deeply enjoyable and genuinely satisfying. This engaging informative session majorly covered:
- What is Flow?
- Who experiences Flow?
- What happens in the Brain during Flow?
- How to achieve Flow?
Packed with interesting and fun questions for the participants, the session taught practical tips to enter the state of Flow, improve concentration and increase efficiency and productivity.
Upcoming Sessions
There are many interesting books in consideration for the upcoming sessions. Some of which are:
- Alchemy - Rory Sutherland
- Built To Last - Jim Collins
- Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future - Ashlee Vance
- Good to Great - Jim Collins
- Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari
- Switch - Chip and Dan Heath
- The Checklist Manifesto - Dr Atul Gawande
Here’s what QEDians have to say about the sessions
The session was both knowledgeable and interactive. The book selection was impressive. There were small interactive activities along with learning which made the whole experience fun.
– Nikita Aswani, Senior Full-Stack Engineer
The session was really helpful. It got help in boosting my daily productivity. I loved the interactive activities in between the sessions.
– Alphons Jaimon, Drupal Development Intern
The session was great and thought-provoking. The book was very inspiring and motivational. The entire session was interactive and interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
– Saloni Sinha, UI/UX Designer
Conclusion
Looking at the active participation from everyone and the popularity of these sessions across teams, we are determined to keep organizing them regularly. These sessions allow everyone to set aside the daily tasks and deadlines to connect with peers on a human level. An hour of interactive knowledge sharing is just the break everyone needs while working from home, with upskilling and learning as a bonus!