As I write this I have concluded a week engaging and facilitating learning with senior executives, typically newly promoted to lead large teams. Their number one challenge is finding the time to learn, and while with me focusing on learning rather than on the urgent issues that crop up. They are all intelligent and conscientious leaders but they feel they have so little time they must be doing, rather than thinking and learning. And so in the eighth of our series I’ll discuss why it’s essential to learn and practice the learning.
As a leader, it is essential to prioritize personal learning and development to be effective in your role. Learning allows you to develop new skills, broaden your perspective, and stay ahead of the curve. Leaders who continue to learn and adapt are better equipped to navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals.
Many existing leaders perform lip-service to the idea of continuous learning. In my role as a learning facilitator I regularly observe how little learning is actually valued within organisations (beyond mere words) because rarely to leaders actually spend time preparing their team members for learning setting expectations and objectives, and setting time aside to review what’s been learnt, and then what’s been applied. as a result i hypothesise that new leaders observing this behaviour assume learning isn’t material to their performance.
Continuous learning is essential to a leader’s performance as it enables them to enhance their cognitive abilities, increase their resilience, and foster a growth mindset, all of which are crucial for success in today’s rapidly changing and competitive business environment.
An important action a new leaders can take is to set time aside in their diary to learn and to create a cadence of learning – daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly to identify knowledge and skill gaps and attempt to bridge them, and then implement the learning.
Here are some specific examples of how leaders can implement focused learning in their personal development:
- Attend industry conferences and seminars: Conferences and seminars offer a great opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with peers, and gain new insights into emerging trends and technologies.
- Read industry publications: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in your field by reading industry publications, such as trade journals, magazines, and blogs.
- Seek out mentorship: Find a mentor or coach who can provide guidance, advice, and support. A mentor can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set goals, and provide feedback on your performance. Look inside your organisation and also look outside for different perspectives.
- Take online courses or workshops: Online courses and workshops offer a flexible and convenient way to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. You can choose from a range of topics and formats, such as webinars, podcasts, and e-learning modules.
- Join professional associations: Professional associations offer a range of resources, such as training programs, networking events, and industry reports. They also provide opportunities to engage with peers and contribute to the development of your profession.
While learning is essential, it’s important to remember that it’s not enough to just acquire knowledge. Leaders must also be able to apply what they have learned effectively. The knowing-doing gap, as mentioned earlier, can be a significant obstacle in this regard. To bridge this gap, leaders should:
- Set specific goals: Identify specific goals that you want to achieve through your learning efforts. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
- Create an action plan: Develop an action plan that outlines the steps you need to take to apply what you have learned. Be sure to include timelines, resources, and measurable outcomes.
- Seek Opinions: I dislike asking for feedback as it is challenging to both give and receive but if you solicit opinions these are easier to share and to accept- it’s not advice it’s just their view- from colleagues, mentors, and peers on your performance and progress. This can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your approach.
- Reflect on your experiences: Take time to reflect on what you have learned and how you have applied it. Reflective practice can help you integrate your learning into your day-to-day activities and make it more meaningful.
Please prioritize personal learning and development to enable you to stay effective in your role. By implementing focused learning methods and bridging the knowing-doing gap, you can enhance your skills, broaden your perspective, and achieve your goals. Remember, learning is an ongoing process, and as a leader, you should continuously seek out opportunities to develop yourself.