Down the Rabbit Hole

Self-Taught And Learning Dressage

30 Day Blogging Challenge
PROMPT May 23rd
What is your learning style? Do you prefer to learn through reading, images, audio, discussion, hands on, etc.? What is something new you learned in the last 30 days?

I started in my field about twenty-two years ago without much training and no one really to learn from. I had to develop the procedures that I use now. I had to self-teach many of my responsibilities and roles here. I did that by asking questions of my peers in the industry, by questioning our vendors and working with people more skilled and experienced that I was at the time. I absorbed a lot by just immersing myself mostly. At times that was a tough way to earn my stripes and there were a lot of stumbles along the way. As a result, I believe practical, active learning works best. Immersing yourself in the environment and putting the tools to practical use early on is the best way to learn - if and whenever that approach is possible. I also believe strongly in cross-training. There are many things here that only I know how to do and as a result, I think it weakens us as a company to rely on just one individual to keep the essential gears turning. I try hard to train people on different aspects of my job so I have someone I can rely on and if I should get suddenly hit by a truck, my company stands a better chance of being able to transition in my replacement from within the organization.

The last thirty days here have been slow. When our business is slow, there isn't much of an opportunity to learn anything new. I am hoping the Spring will bring kinder flying weather and with that, will come more deals. If I've learned anything new this month it is outside of work. I'd have to say it would be something to do with my daughter's horse hobby. She's learning the routine she will need to make her first show in July. I'm learning all the terms, and what they meant for when takes her first "test". She will have to work her horse through several elements, like rising trots between sections of the arena, a salute and change of directions and resting walks...all while making sure she stays on the right diagonal. Its all new to the both of us and I've learned that there is a whole lot more to riding than I once believed.