The Science of Unlearning: Helping Employees Let Go of Outdated Knowledge
We talk a lot about learning new skills—but what about letting go of old ones?
The workplace evolves fast, and sometimes, the things that made employees successful yesterday can hold them back today. But here’s the catch: unlearning is harder than learning because it requires rewiring habits, challenging long-held beliefs, and replacing outdated knowledge with new insights.
So how do we help employees unlearn what no longer serves them?
Why Unlearning Matters in the Workplace
Technology Moves Faster Than We Do
By 2025, 50% of all employees will need reskilling due to digital transformation (World Economic Forum, 2023). If workers cling to outdated processes, they risk being left behind.
Cognitive Bias Makes Us Resist Change
The Einstellung Effect is a cognitive bias where people rely on familiar solutions—even when better ones exist.
Example: Experienced professionals often resist new tools because “the old way worked just fine.”
The Business Landscape Is Constantly Evolving
Blockbuster, Kodak, and Nokia all struggled because they failed to unlearn old business models.
Adaptability is the #1 skill companies look for in leadership today.
How to Help Employees Unlearn Effectively
Create Psychological Safety for Change
Employees won’t embrace unlearning if they fear looking incompetent.
Leaders should celebrate adaptability over expertise alone.
Use the “Learn, Unlearn, Relearn” Framework
Futurist Alvin Toffler’s model suggests that the most successful professionals are those who can unlearn outdated methods and adapt to new ones.
Encourage Cross-Functional Learning
Exposure to different perspectives (e.g., marketing working with engineering) helps employees see beyond their usual approaches.
Introduce Unlearning Through Storytelling
Real-world examples (like IBM’s shift from hardware to AI services) show how unlearning drives long-term success.
Incorporate Reflection in Training
Learning isn’t just about adding new information—it’s about questioning old assumptions.
The ROI of Unlearning
Faster Innovation – Organizations that promote unlearning can pivot more quickly.
Higher Employee Engagement – Workers feel empowered when they can challenge outdated norms.
Better Decision-Making – Unlearning reduces resistance to change and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Final Thoughts
In a world where change is constant, the ability to unlearn is just as valuable as the ability to learn. Companies that create a culture of unlearning will stay ahead, while those that cling to outdated methods risk falling behind.
What’s one thing you’ve had to unlearn in your career?
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