be a learner

According to Eric Hoffer, the learners are those who will eventually lead the world, while those who depend only upon what they have learned without seeking to advance their knowledge and understanding will lag behind in the world that has constantly changed before their eyes.

How does that affect your leadership role, which includes building both your organization and those who operate within the organization?

Your job as the leader is to find those who are capable of not only the competencies required for the job, but also, and possibly more importantly, hungry for the new knowledge to compete, excel, and grow.

Many years ago, before the computerized world, I was once asked by one of my retail chain account managers what he could do to be a more valuable part of the team.

“Computers,” I answered. “Learn all you can about computers because business will be governed by them in the future.”

Steve, I will call him Steve because you see, his name is Steve, immediately enrolled in computer classes and purchased a desktop computer for his home.

Sol says, “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction.” ~ Proverbs 13:1

Because of Steve’s willingness to follow instruction and become a learner, he was tapped to train the corporation’s field sales teams several years later when laptop technology was rolled out to the field to better serve our customers.  

Teach your teams like you would one of your own children and note which ones accept the knowledge and grow.

Make it a great day and keep being awesome.