Leaders are Learners

Leaders are Learners.  End paragraph.  I will save you time by not elaborating or trying to convince you.  Simply put, Leaders are Learners. If you are done learning you are done.

Now that we have established that fact, let's look at some ways you can keep learning.  HINT*** It has never been easier thanks to technology to keep learning and keep growing.

1.) General Internet Resources.  There are a million ways to learn online and most are free.  Here are two of my favorites just to give you a taste of what is available online and for free:

Leadership Article from Dave Ramsey

John Maxwell Homepage

There are many other resources available as well.  Spend just 10-15 minutes a day reading online to improve your leadership effectiveness.  The trick is that you will never exhaust the resources that are available to you online.  As you gain mastery and exposure in one area you will be  lead into many other areas.  As you gain insight from one author you will come into contact with other authors that will challenge and inspire you.  One new idea or area of wisdom will open doors to new areas of wisdom.

2.)  Specific Internet Resources.  For me right now I am zeroing in on the approaching soccer season.  I am on Youtube daily finding videos to give me new insights on soccer coaching.  I am being taught drills and strategies from coaches all over the world.  What would have taken hundreds of dollars and countless hours of travel 20 years ago, I can now accomplish in just a few minutes each day.  I can learn from the best soccer coaches.  Great leaders are always willing to share.  Great leaders realize their success was built on the shoulders of someone else and they want to pass along that help to others.  Whatever leadership position you are in, search out ways online to get better.

3.)  Twitter and Social Media.  Yes, these can be colossal time wasters, but social media can also be a great tool.  It all depends who you follow and what links you choose to click on.  Social Media is another great way to learn, when you have discipline.  Quit taking "personality quizzes, "what celebrity you look like tests", etc. and begin following the people who are changing the world.  Read what they have to say.  Never before have we been able to access the greatest minds of our generation so quickly and easily and cheaply.  Take advantage of Social Media.  Turn it into a tool in your growth arsenal.

4.)  Podcasts.  I never get on a bus trip (soccer and basketball coaching), mow the lawn or workout without having downloaded some podcasts.  For me, I quit listening to music when doing chores, and tuned into podcasts.  Again, great leaders want to share their wisdom with us.  For FREE! most of the time.  Make a 30 minute workout doubly productive by learning from a master leader while also getting some exercise.

5.)  Conferences.  There are so many opportunities to learn via conferences and Seminars.  Be specific or general when picking a conference to attend.  There are leadership conferences, coaching clinics, Classes at Church, whatever, that you can attend.  Get out there and learn from some great leaders.  You will also have the opportunity to network with other growing and developing leaders at these conferences.  Find people who are growing and get around them.

Final Point:  Be intentional about growth.  Control what, and who, you are learning from.  Getting exposed to a few dynamic and world changing people and ideas will likely increase your appetite for more similar experiences.  Set aside time in your schedule for growth.  15-30 minutes a day of growth can save you hours and hours down the road as you become more effective.

If you want to lead, you have to learn.