We're in an era which is becoming known for change and constant innovation. The recent rapid growth of generative AI is impacting the business landscape everywhere. This is providing us with a challenge; how do we keep up to date?
The speed of change is faster than we can learn, yet to lead successfully in the 21st Century, a continuous pursuit of learning may be the very thing we need to adopt.
When Satya Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft in 2014 it was somewhat stagnant, and he knew he had to make the culture first class and had to make it different from his predecessors. He loved the idea of growth mindset having read the book by Carol Dweck and said “I want our company to be a team of ‘learn-it-all’s rather than ‘know-italls’.
Let’s think about that for a minute. How much does being a ‘know-it-all’ define who we are as leaders?
We spend years learning our craft, building a knowledge base, being seen as the expert. For many this is the core of our identity, and not knowing threatens our idea of competency. Yet to lead effectively, relying on old knowledge isn’t enough anymore.
Consider, how you invest in your professional development? Are you the leader constantly exploring new concepts, or the one resting on your past knowledge and expertise?
It’s a challenge, as to move forward we need to leave our comfort zones, become exposed as not knowing – which is scary. Yet to grow and develop we need to learn, which might involve experimentation and failure.
So how can we become more ‘learn-it-all’?
1. Adopt a Growth Mindset
This concept was popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. It’s the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, in contrast to a fixed mindset where intelligence is static. To move from fixed to growth we need to embrace challenges, keep going when we hit setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. Recognising that failure is not a reflection of our abilities but a valuable learning experience is also key.
2. Horizon Scanning
How do you become aware of emerging trends, technologies, and ideas that could impact your field or interests? This practice not only broadens our knowledge base but also prepares us for the inevitable shifts in our industry and enables us to identify areas of innovation. Carving time out regularly to do this is crucial, though often gets sacrificed in service of ‘being busy’. By understanding where your field is headed, you can identify the skills and knowledge you’ll need to remain relevant and competitive.
3. Crafting Your Personal Learning Environment
This involves curating resources, tools, and communities that enable your ongoing learning. This might include courses, podcasts, videos, books, professional networks and communities of practice and even a mentor or a coach.
A well-rounded learning environment not only provides access to information but also fosters connections with like-minded people who can offer us support and inspiration, so start to think about how you like to engage with content and how you can build a PLE for yourself.
4. Active Experimentation
This is about applying what we’ve learned in real-world scenarios to test and refine our understanding. It could be through projects, simulations, or problem-solving activities. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new approaches. Each experiment, whether successful or not, provides valuable insights that helps us move forward and build confidence and competence in our abilities.
5. The power of 1%
How often have you not done something because it just seemed too big, to daunting? This is where the power of 1% or micro goals come in. Setting micro goals involves breaking down larger objectives into small, manageable tasks that can be achieved more easily. This makes it easier to maintain momentum and see progress over time as incremental improvements compound, leading to significant advancements in the long run.
Putting all this into practice requires intentional effort and a commitment to continuous learning. It doesn’t need to cost anything, or take up much time, but it does need to be regular and whether we like it or not, it’s now a crucial part of our professional practice. So why not see what a best fit for you is, and embrace the journey of lifelong learning and unlock your full potential.
Annabel is an Executive and Team Coach, Leadership Facilitator and Coach Supervisor. Contact Annabel via LinkedIn, annabel@successfultraining.co.uk, or visit www.successfultraining.co.uk