Managers, are you looking for a way to help your team grow professionally? Why not do a book study! Book studies are a great low-cost way for managers to offer their team development opportunities. In addition, starting a book study is a great way to provide employee development because it includes a set of review questions or topics for discussion related to the book. However, sometimes doing a formal book study with your team can seem like an extra task. But don’t worry – it isn’t as hard as it sounds yet offers many benefits. Here are a few book study practices that you can use with your team.
What is an employee book study?
A book study is a book discussion group that meets regularly to discuss a book or other reading material. The book study format can be informal, with members taking turns leading the discussion, or more formal, with a facilitator guiding the discussion.
Why book studies are an excellent way for managers to offer employee development
One of the best things about starting book studies is that they offer managers a lost-cost way to provide employee development opportunities. Employee development is crucial because it helps employees grow their skills and knowledge, leading to them becoming more productive and efficient in their work. Additionally, employee development can help employees feel more engaged in their work, reducing turnover.
Starting book studies is an excellent way for managers to offer employee development because they typically include review questions or topics for discussion related to the book. As a result, managers ensure that employees get the most out of the book study and learn new things. Additionally, book studies provide a forum for employees to discuss the book and share their thoughts and ideas. This can help employees build relationships and learn from each other’s perspectives.
What are the benefits of conducting a book study with your team?
The purpose of starting a book study is to help employees continue to develop. Book studies can help with skills such as communication, leadership, and coaching. Or, book studies can focus on the technical skills of the job. A book study can offer several benefits to a team, including the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the opportunity to share knowledge and learn from one another.
In addition, starting book studies can help to foster a stellar employee experience and a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Personal and professional development should be an integral part of every manager’s plan.
How to Start an Employee Book Study
If you’re looking to start an employee book study, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get started.
First, decide if your book study is voluntary or mandatory. If you want to start a voluntary book study, you need to generate interest. Post your book study details via your company communication channels and offer a way for employees to sign up. However, if your book study is mandatory, send a calendar invite to the participants.
Second, you’ll need to choose a book for your book study that will interest your employees and offer professional development. For example, you can select a book that helps with professional development, such as problem-solving or communication. Or, you can choose a job skill-specific book to help improve your employee’s technical skills.
Then, once you’ve selected a book, you’ll need to decide the format. You can have a formal book study with a predetermined set of review questions or topics for discussion. You can also create an informal book study by assigning chapters to individual employees or pairing them up. When it is their turn, they will share the key content of their assigned chapters with the team to help build understanding, spark discussion, and explore new concepts.
Finally, purchase a copy of the book for each participant in your book study. Most companies will allow you to expense the costs, so check with your finance department or department head.
Tips for Making Your Book Study a Positive Employee Experience
Starting a book study is a great way to offer employees development opportunities. Here are a few tips to make the most of your book study experience:
- Choose a book that is relevant to your team’s work. This will help ensure that the discussion is beneficial and relevant to your team’s current projects and goals.
- Make sure to allocate enough time for the book study. Depending on the book’s length, you may need several meetings to discuss the book’s contents thoroughly.
- Encourage participation from all members of your team. Book studies allow everyone to share their thoughts and ideas, so make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
- Be prepared to discuss the book’s key concepts with your team. Sharing your thoughts on the book’s content will help spark discussion and help your team better understand the book’s key points.
If you’re looking for a way to offer your employees professional development, book studies are a great option. Book studies can help to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. In addition, book studies provide an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and ideas openly and honestly. These tips will help you get started with your own book study.
