In January we launched the new professional development guide that introduces a learning topic each month in 2022. This month’s topic is ‘Rapid Improvements’ which focuses on positive change. In December, highlight the importance of providing tools and tips to improve collaboration, engagement, and impact.

As 2022 comes to an end it is important to reflect on all of the skills and tools we learned throughout the year. The Learning Framework has taught us the importance of direction, leadership, motivation, and influence in each of our roles. Find time this month to have a conversation with your supervisor, team members, and peers about how you can apply the knowledge you've learned to your role, and how you can improve collaboration, engagement, and impact with that knowledge.

The word Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning daily improvement. The term was adapted to United States' culture in the 1980s to eventually be associated with rapid improvement. The business sector has implemented Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), which are a workshop focused on identifying and problem solving issues within the organization. These workshops task team members with improving the organization in some capacity through means of collaboration, engagement, and impact using the tools at their disposal. For Rapid Improvements month, see what a kaizen RIE can do for you and your workplace!

The new 2022 Learning Framework was developed by State team members, for State team members. Each month, we will highlight a new topic, one directly related to The Missouri Way Training Series. These trainings, along with ENGAGE conversation topics, live educational opportunities, and additional learning resources, are combined into one comprehensive package.

While participation is optional, our goal is to provide just the right amount of education so supervisors can meet their LDR goals, and all team members can meet their individual educational goals.