If I were left alone in your office, what might you catch me doing when you returned? In the spirit of full disclosure, I have wandering eyes. I like to see how people organize their lives, what tools they use, what they’re reading. I’m always searching for better solutions. However, upon your return, you’d likely find me perusing your bookshelf. That’s assuming you still read printed, hardcopy books.
It’s been said that leaders are learners and learners lead. Maybe I have an addiction… to learning. Or maybe my strength of curiosity is out of control. However, I enjoy discovering new ideas, new tips, tools and learning. Honestly, my mom would probably cry tears of joy reading that last sentence. While I was always curious, I wasn’t always a learner necessarily.
Through the years I heard time and again that in order to be successful, I needed to do what successful people do – learn. Today there are so many avenues to explore new ideas, content and instruction. And, each one can contribute to your growth as a leader, as long as you aim to learn.
Those of us aspiring to be better leaders can cultivate our growth through learning. Here are my 5 go-to approaches for learning and growing.
1. Blogs
There are millions of blogs scattered across the endless galaxies of the World Wide Web. Truthfully, it’s mind blowing. These are a daily classrooms for me to learn. Some come to my inbox. Others I subscribe to through Feedly, my rss reader. Still other blog posts and online content I find through my social networks. Regardless of what you want to know or what your interests are, someone is writing tremendous content you can learn from.
2. Podcasts
The number of podcasts are growing by the hour. They are the new blog. Companies, individuals and organizations are starting to create exceptional audio content that you can stream, download or subscribe to. I listen through the Downcast app. For me, podcasts are an efficient means for my learning. I can listen while driving, running and mowing the yard. Afterwards, I often go the to podcasts page (similar to a blog post) and save it into Evernote, so I can collate what I’ve learned. Amazing!
3. Books
As you’ve learned about me, I am drawn to books and the knowledge base they represent. I add them to my reading list faster than I can check them off (by far!). Most often, I read them on the Kindle app. I love how it allows me to save highlights and notes for easy exporting to Evernote. Then, I can find that quote, statistic or illustration for my next presentation, blog post or product. I haven’t always been a reader. But, I recognize the need to read – to propel myself forward and the exponential growth that can come from good, ‘ole fashioned books.
4. Conversations
I love talking to people. Each person has a story, life experiences and other knowledge I don’t have. In the past week, I’ve learned greatly from a conversation I had with someone on Twitter, a colleague while attending a training event, a family member over dinner, a buddy while sharing a car ride and a friend over a drink. There are so many ways to have conversations today, there is no excuse for not connecting with people. Together, we can accomplish so much more than we ever could on our own. I love it!
5. Conferences
In my opinion, you just can’t beat a live conference. Honestly, I’d like to attend many more than I can afford. You learn from the presentations you attend, follow attendees and even by observing how the event itself is orchestrated. Whether in your local area or across the globe, these are amazing bursts of concentrated learning that can expedite your growth. I also think webinars, tele seminars and live events (like a speaker at your company’s monthly professional development) are micro-conferences. Often, you can learn and converse with others all along the way.
If you want to sky rocket your leadership, your business, your life – be a learner. Seize opportunities to soak in new knowledge, gain understanding and expand your thinking. There is no other way to grow faster, lead better and cultivate your excellence.
Question: What is one book, blog, conference or other resource you’ve learned from recently? I invite you to share a link to it as well – perhaps others can learn something too.
Links:
- App: Downcast
- App: Kindle
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