First a quote: “Tomorrow’s illiterate will not be the man who can’t read; he will be the man who has not learned how to learn.” – Alvin Toffler; author, Future Shock
In last week’s edition, I quoted T.D. Jakes who said, “The world is a university, and everyone is a teacher. Make sure when you wake up in the morning, you go to school.” Every day, and in every situation, we are surrounded by teachers and lessons, we need only to assume the role of an intentional student; we must simply pay attention and learn intentionally.
Are you committed to continuous learning? Here are a few ideas for your consideration:
- Be curious beyond your industry or area of expertise. Ask yourself questions like; Why do they do that? How does that work? Would that work in our industry or company? What could we learn from them about that?
- Find a mentor/Be a mentor. Just because your company or organization doesn’t have a formal mentorship program doesn’t mean you can’t have a mentor or be a mentor. Don’t be afraid to look outside your organization for wonderful candidates. I submit they’re all around you. And a PS, you can learn as much being a mentor as you can from being a mentee. The best mentorship relationships are bi-directional in nature.
- Convert your car into a rolling university. Have a long commute? Why not listen to audio books one way or both ways? Imagine how many books or podcasts you could listen to during your commute time? Many people simply waste that time away. Ride a bus or train to work? Same idea.
- Attend conferences when possible. Never miss an opportunity to learn from experts in your field, or other fields. (I was able to hear an expert speak last week about multi-generational workplaces sponsored in part by the WAFC. Very informative and interesting.)
- Read the right-hand column of the WSJ daily. You can learn about current business trends and events every day in less than 5 minutes by reading that column.
- Read a book as a team. Do you have a weekly or monthly staff meeting? Why not agree to read a book and once a month discuss key lessons as a team?
- Sign up for a night class. Most universities and community colleges offer a wide variety of classes you could take for minimal investment. Plus, wonderful networking opportunities.
What lessons are the people in your life hoping you will learn this week? What kind of student will you be this week?
How will you lead, or live, differently, or better, this week?
Bonus quotes below.
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Have a great week!
Bryan Yager
208.376.1701
“Expanding Your Capacity for Success”
Bonus Quotes:
- “Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” – Henry Ford
- “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” B.B. King
- “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” – Pablo Picasso
