keep learning

Here are 4 ways to keep learning. Be curious. When you feel that grumpy, threatened feeling coming on — switch to curiosity. Make it a habit to ask, “Tell me more…” when someone’s talking about something unfamiliar. “Where can I find out more about that.” is another terrific question. No one gets offended by curiosity and it can often take you someplace wonderful. Admit you don’t know it all. Of course asking those questions and opening yourself up to learning means you have to let people know you don’t know everything. The world is changing fast, 20 years experience doesn’t teach you everything you need to know. It’s OK to say, “Hey, that wasn’t the way I did it — but I want to hear more about how you are thinking about it and how you might approach this. Would you explain that to me?” I think experienced people feel like that would undermine their authority, but in most cases it creates more respect. People understand that things are changing and they respect your willingness to go to that uncomfortable place of learning something new. Ask someone to teach you. If you realize that there is a greater gap in your understanding than can be had in one sitting ask for more. Try Reverse Mentoring, where you and a younger team member commit to working together and sharing knowledge on an ongoing basis. Not only do you get to learn new skills, you also build a bridge with your younger workers. They teach you a new skill, and you show them some vulnerability — making you more approachable, and leadership seems more attainable to them. Get out of the office. Sometimes it’s easier to learn in an environment where you don’t have so much at stake. Getting out to a conference, meet-up, user group meeting, or other gathering can provide a context where you can learn from others, but you don’t have the barrier of “being the boss”.