Three Practices to Maximize Learning

Leaders are learners. There is no room in the future for leaders who are not continuous learners.

There is no room in the future for leaders who are not continuous learners. Click To Tweet

Reading, studying new information, and reflection are all part of the learning process. Information is readily available to anyone reading this, and access to information is no longer the limiting factor for developing leadership skills.

Great leaders distinguish themselves in the way that they pay attention and apply what they learn. Here’s the formula: 

Learning = (Information + Observation) x Focused Attention x Application

Focused attention and application are multipliers. There are three specific ways I want you get better at using these multipliers.

Leverage the learning opportunities in your everyday situations by paying attention.

Neurobiology research is confirming at a cellular level what people have long observed – we remember better what we focus on. We make connections and see patterns when we actively ponder the world. We gain insights into people and projects when we study and try to explain what’s going on to others.

• Even the most boring meeting has lessons for you.
• Even the dullest, most repetitive situation can be a source of insight, or a place where you have time for your mind to consider possibilities.
• Even the worst bosses and co-workers can teach you.
• Even people you think are morons, idiots, and desperately unrealistic can help you see.

Pay attention. Always be in learning mode. When you find you’ve drifted into passivity, bring your attention back.

Push past comfortable.

I have a friend who can do many pushups. His goal is to do 10 a day. Here’s the catch: He only starts counting when he gets to a point of pain where his body is saying “That’s it, can’t do more.” He’s interested in growth and development, not just maintenance.

Similarly, no learning happens when we’re completely inside “comfortable.” At best, you reinforce what you already know and understand. Most often, you’re wasting time that could be useful for learning.

Learn to push yourself. Listen to people you disagree with. Read things which infuriate you and ask why. Listen to podcasts at 1.5 or 2x speed so you must focus your mind to track the words. Read more intensely – quality of material, speed, or depth. Discipline yourself to write out a short “after action review” for critical meetings, conversations, and projects. Journal. Replay events for others – not as gossip but as a learning vehicle.

There is a direct correlation between your rate of learning and how much time you’re spending just past your comfort zone.

Create a deliverable.

Self-directed learning exercises are useful and important, but maximum learning comes from creating a deliverable. I can read books and articles, watch online courses, listen to speakers – all good things to do. But I won’t really cement my learning and understanding until I create a deliverable:

• Write a summary of book or key points from a course
• Pass a certification on a skill
• Write functional software with the code
• Give a presentation to others
• Publish a blog post with insights from my study
• Teach someone else what I learned from practice and experimentation
• Journal about mistakes that I made (or see others making) with an intent not to repeat
• Practice my craft and “ship” the results so others can see

This takes a kind of bravery and vulnerability – but the payoff is immense. The leader who steps forward from the passive crowd will find that they’re now in a better position to see even more.

Here’s the formula again:

Learning = (Information + Observation) x Focused Attention x Application

Develop a regular mindset of learning in every situation. Push past comfortable to where true learning is available to you. Create deliverables to apply learning. These practices will set you apart as a leader.