How Dojos Transform an Organisation’s Learning Culture
What is the dojo model and how can it transform an organisation’s learning culture?
In the evolving landscape of today’s professional world, the pressing need for continuous skill development has never been more apparent. The pace of change, fuelled by digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the swift adoption of cutting-edge technologies, has created a significant skills gap that traditional learning methods struggle to bridge. The rapid pace of change demands that teams and individuals embrace accelerated learning, unlearning and relearning. This environment requires novel perspectives, innovative work methodologies, and a leadership and cultural norms shift.
As organisations adopt and implement new technologies, their workforce can struggle to keep up with demands for new skills. This gap not only hinders innovation but also leaves organisations vulnerable to the next disruption. .
Defining the Dojo Approach to Learning
Bridging the skills divide requires a multifaceted approach, including robust training programmes, strategic collaborations with educational institutions and a shift toward cultivating a culture of continuous learning within the workforce. Failure to address the gap may impede an organisation’s ability to harness the full potential of emerging technologies and to adapt to the dynamic demands of the digital era.
Training is an ongoing endeavour for any seasoned IT professional and in recognising the strengths of this foundational training an opportunity may exist to enhance and extend its impact through the dojo approach. Dojo is a term borrowed from Japanese culture, meaning “the place of the way,” or a place where a student comes to practice. Essentially, the dojo – in the context of digital transformation and software development - embodies a cultural movement geared toward aiding organisations in enhancing and expediting their software delivery by creating immersive, collaborative, and iterative learning environment for the workplace. Teams and leaders emerge from the dojo experience invigorated, having applied contemporary software delivery techniques to their own products. Successful organisations recognise the dojo as the paramount vehicle for team modernisation, where newfound knowledge and the drive for continuous improvement take root. Optimal learning and growth occur when individuals apply newly acquired skills to their product backlog, transcending existing organisational constraints.
Levelling Up - How the Dojo Model Transforms Learning Cultures
By recognising where traditional training concludes, the dojo seamlessly takes the baton, offering an environment for learners to apply, practice, and perfect the skills and concepts they have acquired. This dual approach not only solidifies the knowledge base established by training but also accelerates the learner's ability to contribute effectively and innovatively within their roles.
At the heart of this transformative approach lies the concept of "dojos". The dojo establishes a foundation for technical excellence, with a focus on technology strategy, execution, cloud, DevOps, infrastructure, software development, engineering best practices, and exploratory work in artificial intelligence. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese training spaces for martial arts, modern dojos in the educational and professional development context serve as immersive environments where learners actively engage with highly tailored content. This adaptation of dojo culture proves pivotal in creating an atmosphere conducive to skills acquisition and mastery. The dojo approach allows organisations to:
- Complement knowledge retention: Training gives learners an essential knowledge base. The dojo can reinforce this knowledge through applied practice, ensuring long-term retention and skill mastery.
- Extend learning adaptability: Training provides comprehensive core content. The dojo adds-on a customised experience that adapts to the evolving needs of each learner.
- Broaden inclusive learning: Training introduces concepts to a diverse audience. The dojo expands on this by providing varied interactive experiences that cater to individual learning styles and preferences.
- Enhance applied knowledge: Training imparts critical theoretical knowledge. The dojo enables learners to apply this theory to real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application.
As organisations embrace these innovative approaches, they pave the way for a future-ready workforce capable of navigating the challenges of the digital age.
Tailored, Real Time Learning Solutions
Traditional training methods can cycle large numbers of workers through training sessions, but the training is often abstract, and employees quickly find themselves back at their desks wondering how to apply the lessons.
In the dojo model, participants practice by doing and teaching others. The dojo's distinctive approach lies in its immersive learning environment, which goes expands upon traditional training programmes. Participants engage directly with actual work from their backlog, applying new ways of working and technologies to solve real-world problems in their own business and technical environments. This hands-on experience is pivotal in building practical skills and catalysing organisational change efforts.
In a dojo environment, the trainers are seen as “coaches,” who teach technical and interpersonal skills. The coaches work with company leaders and participants in a road-mapping session that tailors the training to the specific needs of the class. The planning stage is informed by data and metrics to uncover problem areas, skills gaps and other areas of need.
Coaches work very closely with the participants to understand each individual’s unique ways of working and approaches to problem-solving. This human-centric approach enables the coaches to build customised training solutions for the class. Through repetition, the coaches help participants retain information and master the content via a “see one, do one, teach one” method. A core tenet of the dojo is that coaches teach participants how to think rather than what to think. This approach accelerates a shift in mindset for participants and acts as a foundation to change the learning culture across the entire organisation.
TEKsystems Tips for Embedding Dojo Best Practice
- Embrace immersive learning: Recognise the limitations of traditional learning methods and embrace immersive learning as a powerful tool for skills development. Foster a culture that values hands-on experiences and real-world application in the learning process.
- Integrate dojos thoughtfully: When integrating dojos into learning initiatives, do so thoughtfully. Consider the unique characteristics of the dojo approach and tailor its implementation to the specific needs and goals of your organisation.
- Promote collaboration and problem-solving: Leverage the collaborative nature of dojos to encourage teamwork and problem-solving. Create an environment where learners can actively collaborate, share insights and collectively overcome challenges, mirroring the collaborative spirit of traditional dojos.
- Address resistance to change: Acknowledge and address any resistance to change that may arise during the adoption of immersive learning and dojo culture. Communicate the benefits clearly, involve key stakeholders, and provide the necessary resources and support for a smooth transition.
- Cultivate a continuous improvement mindset: Instill a continuous improvement mindset within your organisation. Use measurable benefits and key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of dojo-based learning and identify areas for enhancement.
The dojo offers a hands-on, immersive experience that refines a team’s thinking and working methods, empowering organisations to expedite product delivery to customers. The dojo method of learning offers a long-term solution and has a lifelong impact on participants, which reshapes their thinking and mindset in professional and personal pursuits. By incorporating these tips and best practices, organisations can maximise the benefits of immersive learning and dojo culture, creating a dynamic and future-ready environment for continuous skills development.
As organisations embrace innovative approaches to learning, they pave the way for a future-ready workforce capable of navigating the challenges of the digital age.
Our vision is to redefine how companies adopt and implement cutting edge technologies and ways of working. It's about investing in people and preparing them for the next wave of business and technology challenges. We're committed to making real, impactful changes by working closely with our clients, getting our hands dirty, and collaboratively solving the actual business problems they face. It's a partnership for the future, walking side by side on this transformative journey. For more information on how TEKsystems can support your digital transformation click here.