Learning Program
The Power of Two: Empowering Growth Through Learning
The Power of Two is our structured learning initiative, designed to help you grow your knowledge and skills by investing just 2 hours per week. This small, consistent investment creates compounding benefits – not only for you but for the entire team.
“Imagine dedicating just 2 hours a week to invest in yourself. With this small but consistent effort, you could read over 12 books a year, complete multiple online courses, or even earn certifications.”
Taking consistent, manageable steps transforms big goals into achievable milestones, creating a foundation for sustained growth and innovation.
As a bonus, at the end of each quarter, you’ll earn an extra vacation day as a small token of appreciation for your commitment.
Why is continuous learning important?
Supporting a Culture of Growth
- Knowledge Acquisition: Regular learning helps you gain new skills, deepen expertise, and stay ahead in your field.
- Knowledge Sharing: Applying and sharing your learnings sparks fresh ideas and improvements across the team.
- Teamwide Momentum: Consistent progress builds a rhythm that drives personal development and collective success.
- Compounding Growth: When each of us learns regularly, the benefits compound. Your skills and insights inspire others, and together we foster a culture of innovation and shared growth.
How will this approach help me?
Consistency Makes Growth Simple
Research shows that immersing yourself in a topic over time enhances memory, deepens understanding, and promotes lasting habits far more effectively than cramming or occasional bursts of effort. Here’s why:
- Reduced Overwhelm: Two focused hours per week feel manageable and consistent, leading to sustainable progress.
- Energy Preservation: Short, consistent sessions maintain energy and focus.
- Deeper Understanding: Reflecting on what you’ve learned leads to a more thorough comprehension.
- Memory Retention: Regular review stops you from losing knowledge over time (fighting the “forgetting curve”).
- Practical Application: Time between sessions allows you to apply and internalize new ideas effectively.
- Habit Formation: Regular, focused learning fosters building a habit, making it easier to sustain.
What do I have to do to participate?
A Practical Framework
- Reserve Your 2 Hours Weekly
Dedicate 2 hours each week to learning. Block this time in your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable. Choose time slots that works best for you. - Choose Your Learning Material
Read a book, take an online course, learn a new tool in depth, or revisit a skill you want to master. Focus on something practical and relevant to your goals. - Track Your Time & Material
At the end of your learning session, add a brief note to your “Deep Learning” time entry about what you explored. Example: “Book: Atomic Habits”. - Celebrate Consistency
Regular participation pays off! By completing 80% of your weekly learning sessions, you’ll gain valuable skills and earn an extra vacation day each quarter.
FAQ
Can I use my work time? Yes! The initiative is designed for you to use work hours for learning – it’s an integral part of your professional development.
Is participation mandatory? No, it’s completely voluntary. The Power of Two is designed to encourage growth without pressure.
What kind of proof do I need for my learning sessions? You only need to log a brief note to the “Internal > Deep Learning” task about what you focused on. For example “Book: Atomic Habits”. No detailed reports are required.
Can I split the 2 hours into smaller sessions? Yes, you can divide your 2 hours into shorter, manageable sessions that fit your schedule. In fact, shorter sessions can help build a consistent habit. If you miss one session, you still have the chance to try again the next day, ensuring you don’t lose out on progress over the week.
Can I track more than 2 hours per week? The focus is on maintaining consistency with a manageable 2-hour commitment. Additional hours won’t be counted toward this initiative, and there are no “overtime” rewards or compensation.
What if I miss a session? Life happens, and that’s okay. Aim to complete at least 80% of your weekly learning sessions to stay on track for the quarterly reward.
Can I save up extra earned vacation days? The same rules apply as for regular vacation days. We recommend using them soon after they are rewarded to give yourself a timely break and recharge.
Can I choose any topic to learn? You should focus on topics that relate to what we do as a company or contribute to your personal growth. Step out of your comfort zone and take the opportunity to deepen existing skills or explore new ones that align with our goals.
How do I know if a topic is relevant to the company? Topics that align with our work, extend your skills in your role, or contribute to innovation and efficiency are highly encouraged. If you’re unsure, feel free to discuss your ideas with us.
What is considered good learning material? Good learning materials promote deep understanding and mastery of valuable skills or principles. Examples include books (whether reading or listening), structured online courses, certification programs, or in-depth articles. Avoid shallow articles, videos or news. Focus on classics, as they tend to provide insights that stand the test of time.
Do you have suggestions for books or courses? Yes! We’ve compiled a list of recommended books and courses to help you get started. Check the Learning Material Board for inspiration.
Do you provide a financial budget? Yes, each team member has a budget of 100€ per month for learning resources. You purchase what you need and then reimburse it by submitting an Expense Report. If you need more budget, please approach us.
Will others know what I’m working on? Not directly, unless you choose to share it. However, we may occasionally share anonymized recommendations from your time entries to inspire the team.