My Current Learning Journey
Realizing the Power of Continuous Learning
I have realized that staying stagnant means falling behind. Over the past few years, I’ve been on a transformative journey, discovering the immense value of continuous learning. This commitment has shaped me personally and professionally to become a key cog in our consulting and training firm. I’m excited to share a piece of this journey, hoping to inspire other leaders and teams to embrace continuous learning as a pathway to ongoing achievement.
When I first entered the leadership and organizational consulting arena, I had solid knowledge and a passion for helping others grow. However, I quickly realized that the organizational landscape is constantly evolving. What worked yesterday might not suffice tomorrow. This awareness was my awakening to the role of continuous learning. I learned that effective leadership requires staying ahead, constantly updating skills and knowledge. It wasn’t just about acquiring new information; it was about creating a mindset that embraces change, seeks improvement, and values curiosity. This mindset is all about adaptability and using what is learned to adapt to different environments and settings.
To build this mindset, I immersed myself in various learning resources. Books became my constant companions, offering insights from thought leaders and industry experts. Titles like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek provided strategies for personal growth and frameworks for building resilient teams. Podcasts and webinars became invaluable tools for learning on the go. Shows like "The Tim Ferriss Show" and "How I Built This" exposed me to the stories and strategies of successful entrepreneurs, offering practical advice and inspiration. These platforms allowed me to learn from others’ experiences, understanding their triumphs and setbacks.
Following successful business leaders on social media and professional networks also played a crucial role. Platforms like LinkedIn became virtual classrooms where I could engage with experts, participate in discussions, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations. This diverse approach ensured that my learning was well-rounded and continually evolving.
Leading by Example: Inspiring My Team
As my own learning deepened, I realized that triple-loop leadership involves setting an example. I share the insights I gain with my team, integrating new ideas into our strategies and workflows. This demonstrates my commitment to growth and creates a ripple effect, encouraging team members to pursue their own learning journeys. In 2025, we will implement key practices that transformed my personal and professional life and our organizational culture to institutionalize continuous learning. We have been undertaking this for a while now but will formalize it because it genuinely works! We will introduce regular, monthly “Did you know Check-ins.” We will set aside time for our team to share their recent learnings and how they’ve implemented them in their personal and professional lives. This could range from insights gained from a book or podcast to new techniques learned from a webinar or workshop. Each member presents something they’re learning, explaining how it can benefit their role, organization, and lives.
These check-ins serve multiple purposes:
Knowledge Sharing: Sharing what we learn elevates our collective understanding and keeps us updated on the latest trends and best practices.
Encouragement and Support: These sessions provide a safe space for team members to express their curiosities and challenges, offering support through resources, advice, or simply a listening ear.
Accountability: Regular check-ins create a sense of accountability, encouraging team members to actively seek and apply new knowledge.
Integration of Learning: Discussing how new insights can be applied ensures that learning translates into tangible improvements in our processes and services.
The key is that I am not telling people what to read or what topic to learn; each individual is empowered to come up with something they want to investigate, something they want to learn, or something they are passionate about. This drives innovation because diverse ideas and passions are introduced, discussed and we learn from one another.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues
My journey into the true value of continuous learning is transformative for both me and our firm. We unlock new levels of success, innovation, and fulfillment by incorporating a learning-centric culture. This journey is ongoing, with each day presenting new opportunities to learn, grow, and excel.
To fellow leaders and teams: embrace continuous learning with passion and commitment. Lead by example, encourage your team to pursue their interests, and create an environment where learning is celebrated and prioritized. The path to sustained success is paved with curiosity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Let’s go on this journey together, transforming not just our organizations, but ourselves, into examples of excellence and innovation.
Remember, the most successful organizations are not those that simply keep up with change, but those that drive it through a culture of continuous learning and development.
Let’s make learning our legacy!