Some of us have so much education, but little learning. The Chinese word for being learned is xue wen, or learning to ask. When was the last time you ask questions of various forms and nature?
What is learning? When does it take place? When do we engage in it? Learning includes the acquisition of skills, knowledge, and experience. When we learn, we will then have the ability to apply our knowledge. Then, we will have to determine if we are able, ready and willing.
Apparently, learning is usually associated with the beginner or neophyte. We direct inexperienced and less skillful people, so that they learn quickly. We hope that they have a fast learning curve so that (as leaders) we can delegate to them mundane tasks. Some of the best times to learn are:
1) When you make mistakes
2) When you succeed
3) When you are curious
4) When you encounter disappointments
5) When you review your plans
6) When you need to earn
A famous magician and actor, Ricky Jay never gives lectures to magicians because he believes that he is still learning. Al Baker, a famous magician used to say: ‘Magicians stop thinking too quickly!’ When we stop thinking, we stop learning. Learning has to involve thinking, or else nothing occurs on the cerebral Serengeti.
Instances of learning as leaders include: Organisers of a marathon who review feedback from upset participants; analyzing what when well/not so well at a personal sports event; correcting your swim/run technique; having your bike fitted properly to your body; learning how to give a purposeful performance interview with your staff.
There is a Chinese saying: Live till old. Learn till you are old. When was the last time you learnt something? Be a lifelong learner. The learning never stops!
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