{"id":2732,"date":"2020-12-11T09:29:41","date_gmt":"2020-12-11T17:29:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/?p=2732"},"modified":"2023-06-26T13:34:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T20:34:03","slug":"lifetime-learners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/2020\/12\/11\/lifetime-learners\/","title":{"rendered":"Lifetime learners"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I love to learn.\u00a0 I want to grow intellectually, to keep my brain healthy, to challenge my preconceptions, and to be better prepared to do my job.\u00a0 Learning helps me be ready for the challenges that lie ahead and makes me a better person.\u00a0 Beyond work, I am currently reading How to Behave so Your Dog Behaves\u00a0<\/em>to get ready for our new puppy who arrives at the end of month!<\/p>\n

So, to increase awareness about the strategic value of learning in organizations, I happily declared December 7-11, 2020 as Employee Learning Week in conjunction with the Association of Talent Development (ATD). Employee Learning Week is an opportunity for us to demonstrate a commitment to talent development and showcase the important link between developing your skills and achieving organizational results.<\/p>\n

Developing talent is more important now than ever. At the County we are committed to creating a highly skilled workforce, knowing that growing our employees improves the level of performance in our organization. When you improve your knowledge and gain new skills you are adding to our ability to serve our residents.<\/p>\n

This designated week also allows us the chance to showcase the learning that has already been undertaken this year \u2013 despite the significant challenges we faced both professionally and personally.<\/p>\n

In 2020, we had more employees take greater advantage of learning opportunities than before COVID hit. In total, we completed more than 7,000 courses. Classes moved online and we were able to hold over 200 classes virtually, resulting in nearly 2,000 employees trained in various topics and subjects.<\/p>\n

The top 3 \u201clearners\u201d in the County were Sarah Mitchell, Kara Kerrone and Charrie Haryward, and they will each receive a copy of Simon Sinek\u2019s book The Infinite Game<\/em>. They have certainly demonstrated an infinite mindset and dedication to learning and developing.<\/p>\n

We also had top learning departments:<\/p>\n

District Court\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Took most advantage of learning this year<\/p>\n

Parks\/Rec\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Highest percentage of employees trained<\/p>\n

PPW\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Completed the greatest number of courses<\/p>\n

2020, with all it\u2019s challenges, has put a premium on leadership, innovation, and adaptation \u2013 in the County and throughout our world.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to give a big shout out to the County\u2019s Bronze Level Leaders in the County. You may recall that we launched a three-tiered\u00a0Leadership Certification Program<\/a>\u00a0launched on January 1, 2020. The first level to complete is the Bronze Level, then the Silver Level and, lastly, the Gold Level.<\/p>\n

Our training team has created many ways for you to continue learning and developing in 2021.\u00a0 In addition to a myriad of virtual classes, some of the newer programs include:<\/p>\n