As a leader, do you have a personal or professional learning plan, or do you think you’re fine as is? For the near-term you might be okay, but without a regular discipline of learning, your effectiveness will be limited.
An implicit skill of leadership is the ability to learn. It is easy to give learning lip service, but as I. M. Pei said, “If you only learn and repeat, you’ve made no contribution at all.” You must be deliberate in your study if you want it to be worthwhile and lasting. Admitting to things you do not know, committing to finding out, and then sharing your knowledge are signs of good leaders.
Use these seven questions to guide you through your next opportunity.
- What are you learning?
- Why is it important that you learn this?
- How do you intend to use this information?
- What will you be able to accomplish what you have learned this?
- If you were to teach this to someone else, what would they need to understand?
- What resources can assist you?
- How will you address your challenge, choice, opportunity, action, going forward?
Begin to keep a log of your pivotal learning moments. Over time, they will provide a proof source of your ongoing education and provide a personal morale boost each time you review how far you have progressed in a relatively short period.
Keep learning, and if you would like to download a learning journal template with the seven questions, click here.