Developing a Learning Culture
It’s that time of year again!
The days are shorter, the nights have cooled down, but by mid-day it’s tee-shirt weather and there are still days left to barbecue and eat outside. I love this time of year!
Oh, yes, and it’s back to school time!
Back to school shouldn’t be just for ‘students’ – as a leader it’s a perfect time to focus on your growth too. In today’s fast-paced business world, successful leadership isn’t just about setting goals and managing teams; it’s about continuous learning and self-improvement. Regardless of profession, business owners and managers today need to recognize that professional development and continuous learning are essential elements to staying ahead of the curve and fostering a thriving workplace.
Recently, I worked with a company to develop a 90-Day Plan. It was a most unique experience for me because, for the first time, I was working with a company that took professional development so seriously that they added it as one of their goals – literally, it read “EVERYone needs to have a PD Plan for the coming year by September 30th”. We are a learning organization.” I followed up last week to find that the team was on track towards their stated goals but what really impressed me was that the company President was not only the first person to submit a PD Plan, he was already enrolled in a certificate course on management and leadership.
Is your business a learning organization? Why not? The difficult truth is that, likely, it’s because, as a leader, you’re not modeling it let alone encouraging it. Leaders who prioritize their development are more prepared for the challenges ahead and this approach can create a ripple effect throughout their organizations. Teams become more engaged, innovative, and equipped to handle the demands of an ever-evolving market.
It all starts with one simple habit: reading.
Learning should never stop, no matter what stage of your career you’re in. I earned an MBA degree at the age of 55, proving that the pursuit of knowledge has no age limit. I’ve always been a reader but now I encourage people to dig deeper - especially as they progress through their careers. I believe the older you get, the more valuable continuous learning becomes. Staying curious and open to new ideas is essential to thriving as a leader—and reading is the most approachable way achieve that. The alternative is to do nothing and to keep implementing the same old early career practices.
Let’s face it – not everything from the good old days was always good! The enemy of progress lies in the phrase "We've always done it that way."
Why Continuous Learning is Essential for Leaders and Teams
The world of business is evolving faster than ever. I won’t sidetrack the discussion with talk of AI, but new technologies, shifting market trends, and the rise of remote work all mean that continuous learning isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential skill for maintaining relevance and driving success.
Are you a leader that’s feeling overwhelmed with it all? Start reading! Leaders are readers and leaders who actively pursue learning are more adaptable and better equipped to handle change. Whether it’s gaining insights into emerging industries or improving soft skills like emotional intelligence, the benefits of continuous learning are immense. As McKinsey research highlights, re-skilling has become critical in this new era of work, where roles evolve and require fresh approaches [McKinsey]. Leaders who commit to learning set a strong example for their teams, fostering an environment of growth and innovation.
Moreover, continuous learning helps leaders enhance their decision-making capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to inspire others. It helps keeps their intellectual agility, enabling them to navigate complex challenges with confidence. [Professional Leadership Institute] [Shift Workspaces]. This is especially important as businesses face the unpredictability of global markets and the increasing need for rapid innovation.
For teams, a leader’s commitment to personal development sends a powerful message and employees are more likely to follow suit - leading to a workplace culture where learning is valued. This, in turn, boosts employee engagement and retention, as people are more motivated to grow within organizations that prioritize development.
How Reading Contributes to Better Leadership
Reading is the most accessible and impactful way for leaders to expand their minds and enhance their leadership abilities. Through books, articles, and other resources, leaders can explore new perspectives, understand different business models, and learn from the experiences of others. It all starts with 30-minutes a day. The average person, according to several online sources, has a reading speed of 300 words per minute. At this speed, it's estimated that a committed reader can knock off between 33 and 52 books a year!
It's not just about consuming information - it’s about developing the ability to think more deeply and reflect on one’s own leadership journey. So, what you read is important. Great leaders make time to read, not just for the knowledge they gain but for the way it helps them stay adaptable and future-focused in an ever-changing business landscape.
Oh yes, and there are additional benefits of reading before bedtime. Studies show that if you pick up a book before bedtime instead of doomscrolling on your phone, you'll experience less stress, less anxiety and you’ll sleep better! So, read your way to better health!
Recommended Reads
One of the best ways to continually grow as a leader is to learn from the insights and experiences of others. Books, podcasts, and online courses offer invaluable wisdom on leadership, business strategy, and personal development. Below are some recommended titles from the PivotLeader library. Call them PivotLeader picks!
"Leaders Eat Last", by Simon Sinek
From the author of “Find Your Why”, Sinek dives deep into the idea that great leaders are those who prioritize the needs of their teams. By focusing on trust, empathy, and teamwork, leaders can build a loyal and resilient organization. Sinek uses military and corporate examples to show how leaders who put their people first are more likely to create success in the long run.
"Dare to Lead", by Brené Brown
One of my favourite quotes is from Brene Brown “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” Brené Brown’s work focuses on the power of vulnerability and courage in leadership. In “Dare to Lead”, she explains how leaders can embrace uncertainty, take bold risks, and cultivate trust with their teams. This book is a must-read for leaders who want to foster a culture of openness and innovation.
"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
Lencioni outlines common pitfalls that teams face and how leaders can help overcome them. Through engaging storytelling, he offers practical advice on how to build trust, embrace conflict, and drive team accountability. It’s an easy read and a fantastic resource for leaders looking to strengthen team dynamics. Buy an extra copy for your staff!
Themes for Business Leaders
The theme here is that while it’s important as a leader to focus on your own development, it’s only one step. As a leader, you’ll want to create an environment where continuous learning thrives throughout your organization. A culture of learning helps your team stay innovative, adaptable, and engaged, which is critical in today’s competitive business landscape. Plus, it may help reduce staff turnover!
Lead by Example
Think back to the example I shared of the company that put PD on their 90-Day Plan. The company President was the first on board! If you're leading a team, your team - like his - will take cues from your behavior, so it's essential to model the importance of learning. It doesn’t have to be formal, either. Share the books you're reading! Discuss the courses you’ve taken! Share how continuous learning has helped you in your role. It’s a much more productive way to spend the day than sharing the politics of fear that surrounds us.
Encourage Open Learning Opportunities
Offering practical, accessible ways for your team to develop new skills is key. You can investigate learning grants, provide stipends for books or courses, invite guest speakers, or host regular “lunch and learn” sessions where employees can present on topics they’ve researched. By fostering a learning environment you’re also creating a space for collaboration and idea-sharing
Create Psychological Safety
Building a culture of learning also means creating a safe space for experimentation and failure. Not every pursuit will Leaders who allow their teams to try new ideas, even if they fail, build trust and encourage innovation. As McKinsey’s research highlights, this sense of safety helps people learn from their mistakes and pushes them to grow faster.
Wrapping Up
In today’s rapidly evolving business world, continuous learning isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. By embracing reading and professional development, you’ll not only improve your leadership, but you’ll also set the stage for your team to thrive. Before I enrolled in an Executive MBA program at 55, I remember thinking “I don’t have time”. I didn’t. Then Lisa reminded me “if you wait a year, you’ll only be a year older.” So, I found the time - from 4am to 6am every morning. The most successful leaders never stop learning, no matter where they've been or how far they've come.
There is no better time than now.
Norm Adams, a Certified Professional Business Coach, Project Manager, and Business Developer, was selected the 2023 Business Coach of the Year by the Professional Business Coaches Association of Canada (PBCA). Norm's next read? "The Hard Things about the Hard Things - Building a Business when there are No Easy Answers," by Jacques Pauwels. What are you reading? Contact Norm today at norm@pivotleader.com.
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