We live in a world where technology is constantly evolving. If we look at the technology we use today, it is easy to forget that it is only possible because of decades of effort that came before. I read earlier today, that the first Apple Mac came out 40 years ago. The Mac of today is a very different machine, but still has at it’s heart the idea of enabling people to create.

In a conversation just a day ago, the topic was how to share tips with others. In this case a CFO who was able to save themselves time thanks to a PowerBI tip from a colleague. It reminded me of job early in my career where I taught a Sales team how to use Quattro Pro (a spreadsheet popular in the early 90’s). Months later I noticed the Sale Director using a calculator to add up a column of numbers and typing the result into his spreadsheet. I seized the opportunity to show them how to use a formula. It saved them several hours work each month collating the Sales section of the Board Report.

There are still many people who struggle with the basics, or simply don’t know that a computer can help them solve a problem. There are companies that don’t focus on building digital capabilities and despite the predictions that they will be killed by the competition, are still here with us today.

People want to develop their skills and make their work better. They often know that digital tools and skills can help. But are time poor and decide rightly or wrongly not to focus on it. These problems of today also existed 40 years ago, or at least 30 years ago in the case of learning how to use a spreadsheet!

It is likely that the people you work with are all at different levels of knowledge, experience and willingness to accept change. Your organisation might also not be ready to start work on a large transformation. There are still things you can do to build knowledge and expertise in your team. It costs nothing, other than a little bit of time.

One simple idea that I have seen work well might help generate some quick wins. Make a regular time with your team to share learning. Ask them to each bring along one thing they have learnt that might help someone else.

That’s it!

Give it a try and see where it takes you and your team.