Why learning is so important for leaders

As John Maxwell explains in his book called "No Limits", in order to keep growing, true leaders focus on something unexpected. They focus on how far they can go, not where they currently are. He calls this "growth capacity".

We believe this capacity is what drives the thirst for learning. It's about putting yourself in situations where others are ahead of you and you are continually challenged. This kicks you out of your comfort zone and puts your focus on moving forward.

Leaders help others move forward by continuing to move forward themselves. If you want to know how to keep leading, keep learning.

5 Tips on How to Keep Learning

Only some of the learning that we do happens in a classroom. Every day of our lives we have an opportunity to discover something new and grow, which is what learning is all about.

Here are five ways you can help yourself continue to learn:

1. Nurture relationships with diverse people. If you only spent time with people who share your interests and experience, you will never learn more than you already know. Learning starts with a challenge to think differently than you have before and to see things in a new way. That happens most easily when you surround yourself with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
2. Read outside of your interests. The best book for you to read is the one you would never choose for yourself. Book clubs can be an excellent way of expanding your interests. The same thing is true for information found online. Take every opportunity to explore ideas and subject areas you don't know much about.
3. Solve problems outside of your job description. Learning is growing and we do that when we do something new. If you don't know how to do something that needs to be done, learn how. Leaders need to remain curious and to seek new information.
4. Attend a conference or take an online class. Traditional ways of learning remain effective. It's especially powerful to get together with people who share goals that are similar to yours. Exchanging ideas and experiences builds community. Everyone involved ends up stronger and wiser.
5. Leave no question unasked. The only stupid question is the one you were afraid to ask. Don't worry about what someone might think about your question. Begin by admitting you don't know and that is why you are asking. Intelligence begins with humility.

Live2Lead 2021

For the fifth year in a row, the UpCloseTeam is hosting a conference specifically focused on learning to keep leading. The Live2Lead 2021 Global event will be held online. The conference will give you insight into how to grow through change, layer your leadership, maximize your business potential, and stay more in tune with your audience.

Register today. Live access to the Live2Lead 2021 Global event begins on October 8. Visit our website to learn more about the global event or to book your own private event.

Call to Action

Plan how you will keep learning over the coming months and year. Who will you reach out to? What will you read? What classes and conferences will you attend?

Your Friends,
The UpCloseTeam