Oxford defines learning quite simply as “acquir[ing] knowledge.”[i] That is what learning is. We hold that the greater concern about learning has to do with HOW knowledge is best acquired?
Beyond that, from a leadership perspective, why is this consideration important?
This is important because capable leading demands that leaders learn. Space will not be taken here to support this truth. If the reader questions the need for leaders to be learners, STOP READING this! Go to this search ((1) leaders are learners – Search (bing.com)) and find the near-infinite references by virtually every accepted source (e.g., HBR, Forbes, Business Insider, etc.) that say as much.
So then, given the question of HOW one learns, we suggest that learning rises, and falls on one trait ABOVE ALL ELSE. HUMILITY !
The already referenced importance for leaders to learn is then a critical leadership question as well.
We at LEADERSHIPTEN strongly believe that ANY process of learning will not happen in earnest, or with any measure of true effectiveness if the pursuer of knowledge is not humble.
Humility in a learner is a superpower! How so?
Here is how. It:
- reminds the learner they do not know as much as they may think they know
- conversely, helps learners see others may know more than thought
- promotes true listening, not just hearing
- is a dietetic, keeps from being easily satisfied knowing
- expands where knowledge resides, from just the mind, to the heart too
- is necessary for the ability to accept, keeping from isolation
- encourages valuing others for their contribution
- empowers and regulates criticism
- establishes stewardship of knowledge – things entrusted, never owned
- fosters curiosity
Given the impact as outlined above, humility is a first-order function of learning. It can be argued that humility is not an absolute requirement for learning to take place; learning can happen without humility.
This perspective may be true academically. We would argue that when learning is engaged WITHOUT humility the measure, the power, and the value of what is learned is quantifiably lesser than when done with humility.
Perhaps a central consideration the learner must wrestle with when learning is WHY. What is driving the effort to learn?
This is a question of motive. What is the motive underlying the learner’s priority to learn? If those motives seek, knowingly or otherwise, only the learner’s benefit, we would reiterate the question. Why learn?
This challenge centers around who it is that will benefit from the learning. Humility always promotes others over self.[i] If the learner finds himself seeking to learn only for his benefit he will likely find others questioning the learners motive too? Are they only seeking to improve other’s opinions of him or her, for instance? Is that truly the only purpose?
On the other hand, when learning is engaged in with an ardent view toward benefitting others that changes everything. The force and value of learning with humility at the heart of the learning effort becomes infinitely more impactful – for all concerned.
A STORY: I am reminded of an event just yesterday. I was facilitating a review of a workshop we hosted last month with our current Giving Forward (learn more about it here – Giving Forward – LEADERSHIPTEN) cohort. I asked the participants about the work they completed and how they individually accomplished their work. One of the participants mentioned something they did that I, as the instructor, never consider among the efforts toward the work they did. As I listened to what the woman did I, the teacher, LEARNED FROM THE STUDENT. I acquired new knowledge I did not have previously. I was sure to tell her as much and promised to give her credit for my learning in future workshops when I will include her insight when I give instructions for this same exercise. Hopefully, you are able to see so much of what happened in the learning process from this event.
At first glance, the math in the title does not make sense: 1 = 10, but that is the power of humility when applied to learning. Honestly, the things listed are really just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. As learners employ humility in their learning the benefits and impact are as vast as the horizon. When you think about it too, what’s the downside? How is approaching learning with humility negatively impacted? It is not. Then why learn any other way?
If you would like to LEARN more about this discussion or our leader development and coaching practice, we invite you to reach out to us. You can do so in a number of ways:
- Visit our web-site: LEADERSHIPTEN
- Email us at: info@leadershipten.org
- Engage us via social media: LEADERSHIPTEN – Home | Facebook
Our practice offers leader development, coaching, keynote speaking, and workshop services.
How can we serve your team and you?
[i] Retrieved from 29+ quotes from The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for? by Rick Warren (bookquoters.com). Feb. 20, ’22.
[i] Retrieved from learn, v. : Oxford English Dictionary (oed.com). Feb. 20, ’22.
