There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.
– Jiddu Krishnamurti

My colleague and I  just completed another module of the authentic leadership programme.

Openness to learning

As facilitators, we appreciated how open the participants were to learning and developing as great leaders.

There was an openness to feedback along with an inquiring approach to the sometimes ‘grey’ areas as to what might be a better way.

Through being present and supportive of each other, they were able to benefit from added insights and ideas to further deepen their authentic leadership.

Opportunities for learning

Of course, we don’t have to attend a course to grow and develop as people and leaders.

The truth is that we all get opportunities for learning and growing ALL THE TIME. It doesn’t have to be only at a course or conference.

In fact, it seems that 70% or so of learning happens on the job.

The question is do we notice these opportunities for learning or do they get lost in the busyness of our lives and our task completing, transactional orientation?

If we do notice it, what do we do about it? Do we shelve it for another moment or time when we can think about such things or do we seriously take note and commit to taking action, no matter how small?

Learning moments 

Our learning moments can come at any time. 

Here are a few to be mindful of:

• When something happens different to what you were expecting
• When someone says something, you were not aware of and the light goes on
• When you find yourself reacting with a strong emotion
• When you can’t totally make sense of what a manager, colleague or trusted other is saying to you but you know there is something in it for you.
• When you identify that there is an area that you need to do some development work in

These are just five examples.

What else can you think of and identify as opportune learning moments for you?Perhaps you could recall of a time recently when you had such a moment? How was it?

Leadership and learning

In the words of John F. Kennedy – “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”  When we stop learning, we stop growing.

Don’t give up on yourself – keep your mind, body and spirit alive with the learning fuel!

Image from www.freedigitalphotos.net

Jasbindar Singh works as a leadership coach and business psychologist.

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