Knowing that education is necessary is one thing, but valuing it is something else. You can make all the plans you want, but education requires commitment. Put things into action so everyone knows that the learning is necessary, expected, and even something to anticipate and enjoy.

Make Time for Yourself

To show that you value education, you must publicly continue to educate yourself. If you don't, then your actions are saying to your team members that you are above learning. Essentially, you're giving them excuses not to spend any time expanding their horizons. On one hand, you don't want to make a big show of your own efforts because they will come across as forced and false. But you can show that you are learning by demonstrating new skills and even by letting yourself be seen in a class with team members or spending time reviewing a book at lunch.

Team Member Time

If you need to make time for your own education, you must accommodate team members' thirst for knowledge. Don't begrudge the time necessary for an in-house class, and don't indulge in negative body language when someone must leave promptly to attend a session. Schedule activities around education when possible, and not the other way around.

In addition, spend time with team members, talking to them about what they are learning. Use the occasion to take stock of how well the educational program is going as well as to show interest in what they do.