Unsuccessful leaders often work just as hard, if not harder, than successful. What’s the difference?
Lackluster leaders are unremarkable because they know too much and grow too little. There are other success factors like good fortune and talent, but every successful leader I’ve met is hungry to learn, grow, and adapt.
During an interview with Ken Blanchard, he said, “If you stop learning, you might as well lie down and let them throw the dirt on you.”
On another occasion, I asked Ken what he was learning. He replied, “I’m learning that I still have things to learn.”
If you feel like you don’t know, there’s hope.
Learn, grow, and adapt with meeting openers:
Don’t just meet, grow.
- What are you reading?
- What are you learning?
- What surprises have you encountered since our last meeting?
- What are you unlearning?
- What would you like to learn?
- Think of yourself five years ago. How are you different today?
- What are you learning from failure/success?
Learn, grow, and adapt by reading:
“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Harry Truman
Books Leadership Freaks read in January and recommend:
The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work, by Jon Gordon.
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, by John Maxwell.
Talk Like TED, by Carmine Gallo.
Good Communication that Blocks Learning, HBR article by, Chris Argyris.
The 21 Indefensible Qualities of a Leader, by John Maxwell.
The Unity Factor: Developing a Healthy Church Leadership Team, by Larry Osborn.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain.
(See the complete lists from Facebook fans and followers.)
My list:
The 3 Gaps, by Hyrum Smith.
The Anatomy of Peace, by the Arbinger Institute.
Managers as Mentors, by Chip Bell and Marshall Goldsmith. (re-read)
Rising Strong, by Brene’ Brown
What prevents leaders from learning, growing, and adapting?
How might leaders learn, grow, and adapt?
