In the book Total Leadership (2008), Stewart Friedman states, “Leaders invent themselves by continually learning; it’s an ongoing process.” Heifetz, Grashow, and Linsky wrote in their book, The Practice of Adaptive Leadership (2009), “Being open to learning is a critical capacity for anyone seeking to enable their organizations to adapt. People at all levels in the enterprise must be able to acknowledge what they do not know and need to discover.” Finally, Yukl writes in Leadership in Organizations (2006), “Leaders must be flexible enough to learn!” Each of these authors stress the importance of life-long learning, a necessary habit To which true leaders must commit themselves if they are going to be effective when leading their organizations into the future. It is well understood that nothing remains the same for long, and leaders must be willing to make the changes necessary to keep their team relevant as the needs of their world changes around them. The key for them is to continually be in a learning mode.
Years ago, legendary salesman and motivational speaker Charlie “Tremendous” Jones made the statement “Leaders are readers.” In the 35 years since I first heard him speak those words, I’ve come to realize how very true that simple statement really is. Virtually everything in my leadership toolbox is something I’ve read by one of a host of leadership authors and experts. Recently, many of the books I’ve been reading have echoed Charlie’s words as well as reinforced the whole concept of being a life-long learner. Just this week, I came across an article by Maryellen Weimer which identifies some of the characteristics of being a good learner. She states that good learners are curious and intentionally pursue understanding diligently. They realize that learning takes effort and it won’t just happen. She points out that sometimes learning isn’t much fun and that often learning comes through failure. She finishes the article by stating that “good learners make knowledge their own” by internalizing it and making it “fit” into their already-learned skills. She also reminds us that learners never run out of questions and that they enthusiastically share the knowledge they have uncovered.
As a writer, teacher, and leader, I know firsthand how important it is to be continually learning. It may come through books, webcasts, conferences, seminars, having a mentor (or many), or just observing the leaders, good or bad, with whom you come in contact. I try to learn from every person and circumstance around me and I do so in order to continually restock my toolbox with current and relevant information which will help me move forward with my life’s work. My hope is that the people I lead can see the benefits of my life-long learning, but even if they can’t, I’m sure they would see a difference if I had stopped learning long ago! I encourage you to get on board and become a life-long learner as you lead those who look to you.
Lead well.