I read a blog post today where a person described how their "management" suggested the test team watch free youtube videos to learn an automation technology and automate their testing. I can imagine there was more context to this but suppose there wasn't. Let's suppose that this wasn't just a frustrated complaint but an honest attempt to find a better way. Here's an approach I recommend. It starts with asking yourself some questions.
1. What are the strategies of the business, engineering, product, sales, ...?
2. What is your quality strategy?
3. Is your quality strategy available for others to review, learn, help improve?
4. Does your quality strategy include a visual roadmap showing test automation capability growth?
5. How have you invested in developing the relationships required for others to learn your vision and support it?
6. How have you invested in developing the relationships required for you to learn others visions and how you can support them?
7. How have you invested in self-guided learning?
8. How often do you contribute to and attend community-based learning/sharing opportunities such as Meet-ups, Tech Talks, conferences?
Bottom line: look inward, invest in relationships, and lead with strategy.
