Learn How To Learn
Sounds like a funny name for a blog post, right? Well, it caught my attention in an article in the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The article was called 3-Reasons Budding Entrepreneurs Should Finish College.
Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey wrote that, “about this time of year many students are questioning the value of staying in school…” The very first reason was the one that clicked the most with me – learn how to learn.
That’s a pretty powerful reason.
Most people can’t wait to get out of high school. As young adults, we feel like most of the stuff we’re learning will have no impact on how well we do in the world. And then as a young adult, some of you may have moved right into college. For some, college helps them continue their knowledge, but for others, it’s a reason to leave home and be on their own for the first time ever. Party on dude!
Is it really productive? I’m not so sure it is for everyone…
I didn't have the opportunity to go to college right out of high school. Instead, I went to college when I was 42-years old and I loved it. I loved learning in a way that was entirely different than I did in high school. At that age, you tend to look at life a bit different than you do at 18 or 19 years old. It’s hard to see the possibilities of why learning how to learn is so important.
Have you ever talked to someone who knows everything; thinks they are above learning anything new or different? If I could count the number of times I've made a suggestion to a client and they come back with... "done that...been there...it won't work." Right? You've heard it...you know what I'm talking about.
They don’t understand the power in learning.
As a business strategist and leadership expert, learning is part of my job description. Whether that’s attending workshops, reading books, or taking classes to improve my skills; it is required in order for me to stay relevant in my field.
When you stop learning or decide that you already know everything you need to know on a specific subject, you start to slowly put yourself out of business or out of a job. The world changes too much for you to assume that you know all there is to know.
Over the past 4-weeks we’ve been sharing the Brilliant Leader Program with two groups of students and what makes me the happiest is how these bright leaders know that they can always learn something new. They aren’t above putting themselves in a place where they become the student and allow someone else to teach them. I think it shows one of the most important characteristics of a leader – staying humble!
No matter your age, no matter your profession…never stop learning!
Leadership Lesson – Whether you’re reading a new book or taking a workshop that focuses on leadership skills or some new technology in your field, always keep your mind open to new ideas and learning opportunities.
Just as you create your business plan every quarter – create a learning calendar as well so you can commit to reading a new book a month or attending an online workshop that might offer some new ideas around an old way of doing something.