Maintain the Gain!

Bodybuilders and fitness gurus will tell you that if you don’t work your muscles, you will lose muscle mass and the gains achieved through physical training. Learning is no different. When a person stops learning, skills and knowledge degrade over time. This is due to several factors, and below are key aspects to consider:

Skill Degradation

1.     Decay of Procedural Memory: Skills, especially those involving physical tasks, are stored in procedural memory. Without regular practice, these memories weaken, leading to a decline in performance.

2.     Muscle Memory Loss: For physical skills, muscle memory can fade, causing a loss of precision and efficiency in tasks that were once performed with ease.

3.     Technical Skill Deterioration: In technical fields, staying current with evolving tools and methods is crucial. Without ongoing training, proficiency with software, equipment, or methodologies can diminish.

Knowledge Decay

1.     Forgetting Curve: In the 1880s, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted research on why we forget things and how to prevent it. His research produced the Forgetting Curve, which illustrates that people forget information rapidly after learning if not reinforced. Within days or weeks, a significant portion of knowledge can be lost.

2.     Lack of Application: Knowledge that isn't regularly applied becomes harder to recall. Concepts and details may fade, making it difficult to utilize previously learned information.

3.     Changes in Industry Standards: In fast-evolving fields, outdated knowledge becomes less relevant. Without continuous learning, individuals may fall behind on current best practices and industry standards.

Impact on Performance

1.     Reduced Competence: Skill and knowledge degradation lead to decreased competence and confidence in performing tasks.

2.     Increased Errors: As proficiency wanes, the likelihood of making mistakes increases, which can impact overall performance and outcomes.

3.     Lower Productivity: Efficiency and productivity can decline, affecting both individual and organizational performance.

Strategies to Mitigate Degradation

1.     Continuous Learning: Encourage regular training and professional development to keep skills and knowledge current.

2.     Practice and Application: Provide opportunities for employees to apply their skills and knowledge regularly.

3.     Refresher Courses: Implement periodic refresher courses to reinforce critical skills and concepts.

4.     Knowledge Management Systems: Utilize systems to capture and disseminate knowledge within the organization, ensuring that employees have access to up-to-date information.

When organizations and leaders understand the mechanisms of skill and knowledge degradation and want to maintain the gain, an expert skilled in assessment and learning management can design appropriate performance improvement strategies to maintain and enhance employee capabilities.