A New Perspective on Skill Acquisition

In a world where traditional education is often hailed as the golden ticket to success, it's time to shift our focus to the less conventional avenues of skill acquisition. 

Could it be that my extended parental leave is worth more than your MBA?

Let’s take a quick look at the papers for an MBA and compare with parental leave learnings:

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• Both the MBA curriculum and extended parental leave provide opportunities for skill development.
• MBA programs offer a structured learning environment, while parental leave offers hands-on experience in real-life scenarios.
• MBA skills contribute to professional growth, while parental leave fosters personal development and family management skills. These are the applied learnings of an MBA.
• Balancing both experiences requires strategic planning, adaptability, and effective time management.

The two experiences, while distinct, can complement each other, providing individuals with a well-rounded skill set for both professional and personal life. This is not to say that one experience is better than the other, it is to pause and recognise that skills developed in non-traditional methods are still skills. 

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This is about democratisation of skill acquisition. 

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Leadership Skills in Unlikely Places

Expanding on this, it's crucial to recognise that leadership skills can manifest in unexpected domains, such as online gaming. Engaging in multiplayer online games often requires individuals to lead virtual teams, strategise, and communicate effectively in high-pressure situations. The collaborative nature of online gaming fosters skills like teamwork, adaptability, and decision-making—attributes that seamlessly translate into real-world leadership scenarios. Embracing diverse sources of skill development, including unconventional avenues like online gaming, adds another layer to the democratisation of skill acquisition, further enriching our understanding of leadership and collaboration. 

There's a shortage of technologists, and by acknowledging and harnessing skills developed through unconventional paths, we can elevate our organisations and empower a more diverse and skilled workforce. It's time to broaden our perspective and appreciate the richness of skills gained from all walks of life.

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Recognising Skills in the Workplace

In the workplace, it's essential to recognise and value skills developed through unconventional paths. Platforms like Kaleida can help bridge the gap by providing insights into skills beyond traditional university degrees. By acknowledging and harnessing skills developed through unconventional paths, we can elevate our organisations and empower a more diverse and skilled workforce. It's time to broaden our perspective and appreciate the richness of skills gained from all walks of life.

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