Serve, Coach, Lead Newsletter #12: Being a Lifelong Learner

What does it look like to be a lifelong learner? Why do some leaders continue to improve each year, and some stay the same and fizzle out?

Lifelong learners live under the assumption that there is something to learn from every single person that they meet. They view every day is an opportunity to gain something from the people they come into contact with.

Sometimes it is easy to write people off who are not as “qualified” as us. It is important to never discount anyone based on their title, experience, or perceived lack of expertise. Go into every interaction with an open mind. Through having this mindset, we can become masters at filtering information, taking what is applicable and helpful, and disregarding what goes against our core principles. Seek to be the most curious person in the room. This can help us expand our knowledge through learning from others.

Lifelong learners are more successful because they never fall into the trap of believing that they have it all figured out. “This is the way we have always done it” is one of the most dangerous justifications that a leader can give. Once we stop looking for ways to evaluate and improve how we go about our business, we are setting ourselves up for failure.

Now, don’t think that there is no value in finding processes that work well and sticking with them. Every leader must create routines and systems that their organizations can follow in order to create consistency. However, we should have set dates throughout the year on which we reevaluate how we operate and where we can improve.

The question is, how can we determine what information is best for a given situation?

Being a lifelong learner entails gaining as much knowledge as possible. Whatever your profession, constantly looking for new information is imperative for becoming better at your job. However, not all information that you encounter is useful. There are a couple of ways to effectively filter information.

The first strategy is testing out theories and ideas for yourself. This is the most time consuming, yet reliable method. Whether you are working with a team, or trying to streamline your processes, taking new information and testing it within your organization is the best way to determine its effectiveness. Another strategy is discussing ideas with mentors and colleagues. Seek out people that you trust to give you sound advice. Find those that are where you hope to be someday and ask them to mentor you. Building these relationships will help you continue to broaden your understanding of your profession.

Let's review the ways to develop the habits of a lifelong learner:

1. Try to learn something from everyone that you meet. Understand that their title or where they work does not automatically qualify or disqualify them from having useful information for you.

2. Be the most curious person in the room. Ask quality questions in order to get quality answers.

3. Avoid justifying the way you do things within your organization with “this is the way we have always done it.” Great teachers can explain the why behind what they are doing in order to develop their people.

4. Once you find processes that work, implement them consistently to create routine within your organization. Then, choose specific dates to reevaluate these systems.

5. Work to learn as much as possible. Then filter the information through testing it within your own organization, or by discussing ideas with trusted mentors.

I encourage you to continue pursuing lifelong learning. Being a part of this community means that you are committed to becoming the best leader possible. I am honored to pour into your lives each week!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this week's newsletter. As mentioned before, I would love for this to be an interactive experience for each of us. Please share any comments, questions, or feedback that you may have. Also, if you know of anyone that would benefit from these emails, please send them this link to sign up.

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If you would like to reread last week's newsletter, you can find it here.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to connecting with you all next week.

God Bless!