Unsuccessful leaders often work just as hard, if not harder, than successful ones. So, what’s the difference? Lackluster leaders are unremarkable because they know too much, yet grow too little. There are other success factors, like good fortune and talent, but every successful leader I’ve met is hungry to learn, grow, and adapt.
During an interview with Ken Blanchard he said, “If you stop learning, you might as well lie down and let them throw the dirt on you.” On another occasion, when asked about what he was learning he replied, “I’m learning that I still have things to learn.” If you feel like there are things you don’t know, there’s hope.
At your next meeting learn, grow, and adapt with these openers:
- What are you reading?
- What are you learning?
- What surprises have you encountered since our last meeting?
- What are you unlearning?
- What would you like to learn?
- Think of yourself five years ago. How are you different today?
- What are you learning from failure/success?
