We all have our learning kinks, and you might’ve been asked a time or two what your preferred learning style is. While it is fun to take a test or poll on what learning style resonates most with you, there is a crucial element to knowing how the style you identify with can build the skills you need to climb your way to the top of the workplace food chain. 

Types of learning styles

Despite what many sites will tell you, more learning types are often overlooked and grouped. In fact, up to 7 different learning types can be documented. But it is important to note that while they usually are combined somehow, they stand out on their own. Each style represents a way of developing a broader understanding of effective communication. 

The Observer

Visual learners are those who can see a thousand words within one picture. They are often associated better with pictures and graphs rather than words or numbers. They like to observe or study an image to find conclusions better. Skills related to this type of learner are often presenting, designing, well-organized, and detail oriented. 

The Listener

Aural learners work better with sound. They aren’t much of a reader or visual person. They often rely on listening to music, speeches, podcasts, or audiobooks to gain knowledge. These learners prefer to be less distracted due to depending on their ears to hear details. They also like to close their eyes to focus. Due to being good listeners, they would excel at public speaking, customer service, and debates.

The Talker

Those who thrive in verbal learning environments likely enjoy doing lectors and speech events. They learn from compiling their information into coherent content so they can stand in front of a crowd and tell it back to them. Training and teaching are among their greatest skills, aside from being good speakers. They often enjoy being the booming voice in the room, making them the center of attention. When they talk, people listen.

The Experiencer

Many people don’t learn just from reading a manual. To master their skills, they like to physically complete tasks. They love to practice, believing practice makes perfect. They enjoy DIY projects and getting their hands dirty. They excel at demonstrating. Skills associated with this type of learner are usually sports-related or crafts-related. In the workplace, they often will find ways to master a task unrelated to their job function.

The Mingler

These are the social butterflies. These outgoing learners are not afraid to approach a group to find more information. They study human behavior and body language, and they have a good grasp of psychology. They validate their information through majority means. Their biggest skills are often conflict management and conflict resolution.

The Independent

Opposite social learners are independent learners who learn better in a less-crowded environment. Often by themselves, they are calculated and observant. When people don’t think they’re paying attention, they do their best to conceal their intent. They thrive primarily in quiet settings and love organization. Their best skill is project management, research, or writing. 

The Fact-Checker

No declaration gets past a logical learner that they don’t research. Often data-driven, logical learners love numbers and reading. They take hearsay lightly. Reporting and complex science and math are their forte.

Master your learning style

Play into your learning style by shining a light on it. Structure your learning in a way to benefit your skills. To best showcase your leadership, lean on skills that are carefully highlighted through leveraging your learning skills. With changing work modes like hybrid structure and remote environments becoming more popular in the workplace, the changes challenge learning styles. Some heavily rely on one more than others. Learning how to adapt to those changes and finding ways to tap into other styles can further develop your leadership skills to another level. 

There are opportunities to master your least preferred learning style as well. Not every learner can be great at all the learning styles. Practice using the style that doesn’t resonate with you so when a situation arises forcing you to rely on it, at least you have a method in place that helps propel you in that situation. Find environments that allow you to work on your weaker skills where failure isn’t fatal. For example, ask close friends to provide feedback as you try new activities beyond your comfort zone. Even if you don’t succeed, they’re still going to be your friends. 

By understanding learning styles, you can develop effective management strategies for yourself or your team that provides an excelling environment for all. 

Need help improving a particular learning style? Schedule a call today!

Resources

https://www.tsw.co.uk/blog/leadership-and-management/learning-styles/ 

https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/future-leader-learning-styles.html 

https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/resources/article/4-different-types-workplace-learning-styles/