Continuous Learning: It’s What the Channel Should Base Success On
Staying ahead in a world where new acronyms fall faster than goals in a premier league football match requires more than just keeping up with the latest trends—it demands a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. As someone deeply embedded in the channel industry, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for our partners to embrace education to unlock their competitive edge.
The challenge of education spans across all businesses, from multinational enterprises to small startups. The rapid evolution of technology, fuelled by advancements like generative AI and new regulations such as the EU’s NIS2 and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), has made it clear that equipping the workforce with the right skills is paramount. A recent McKinsey study highlights that 87% of companies already have skills gaps or expect them in the near future. This gap is a universal challenge that we must address head-on.
At Comstor Southern Africa, our mission is to help our partners stay competitive and lead and our experience has shown that fostering a culture of continuous learning is key to driving innovation and growth. Here’s how we approach it:
A Culture of Continuous Learning
In the channel industry, success hinges on the ability to innovate and stay current with technology trends. Education plays a vital role in this. Our recent research at Comstor revealed that many of our partners feel the need to enhance their capabilities, particularly in using data for lifecycle selling. To stay ahead, channel businesses must cultivate a culture of continuous learning that encourages innovation. This involves formal training and creating a safe environment where learning from mistakes is valued and growth is nurtured.
To truly embrace continuous learning, businesses should start with a crucial question: “Do we have the skills and capabilities internally to disrupt ourselves?” If the answer is no, then the next step is understanding why and addressing those gaps. Conducting a comprehensive audit of current skills and competencies against best practice frameworks is essential. This helps benchmark capabilities and make informed development plans for new and existing talent.
Training and Certification: Keys to Success
At Comstor, we believe in the power of training and certification programs. These programs are critical for equipping professionals with the skills needed to navigate the complex tech landscape. Studies have shown that investing in IT certifications significantly impacts business outcomes. For instance, certified IT employees can add substantial value to their organisations, highlighting the importance of continuous skill development.
Furthermore, reskilling and upskilling programs are essential for keeping up with the rapid changes in technology. These initiatives benefit the business by addressing skill gaps and empowering individuals to grow and contribute more effectively. By prioritising education, channel businesses can ensure they are well-equipped to harness the benefits of new technologies.
The Strategic Imperative of Education
The evidence is clear: organisations prioritising employee learning and development are likelier to lead in their respective industries. What we aim to do is embed education at the core of our strategy, which can be seen through our Westcon-Comstor Academy and Learning Management System, both of which are designed to drive partner education and enablement.
Education is not a tick box for forward-thinking businesses in the channel. Those who embrace continuous learning are poised to gain a competitive advantage and drive long-term success. On the other hand, businesses that neglect the importance of education risk falling behind in an ever-evolving market.
