Leadership Truth #6 - Great Leaders Never Stop Learning

Guest post by: Robert Whipple
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Do Not Mix Empowerment and Morale - By Robert Whipple

Life is just a series of learning opportunities. We have one body, an average of about 80 years, and a series of learning experiences. That's all!Great leaders have a higher propensity than the general population to explore and document the learning experiences going on every day. Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over, hoping for a different result." Unfortunately, by that definition, a majority of leaders should be declared legally insane. I am sure many of their subordinates would agree. Why do the best leaders learn better from mistakes?

First, I believe they have a curiosity that won't settle for understanding the direct cause of problems. They thirst for the root cause. They practice the "five why" technique instinctively without even being conscious of it.

"Five why" is a process of asking "why" at least five times when debriefing a problem. By peeling further and further into the issue, you can determine true root cause. Only then can you be assured that corrective action will produce a lasting impact. Most commonly, leaders settle for fixing the direct cause of problems. This means they put a Band-Aid® on the current symptom, but don't address the underlying disease.

Here is how the Five Why technique might sound in a manufacturing environment:

• The product cannot be sold because the boxes are nicked. Why?

• Because the packaging line is hitting the boxes as they fly by. Why?

• Because the cam on the box pusher is out of alignment. Why?

• Because the set screw holding the cam came loose. Why?

• Because the maintenance person did not check it in the last inspection. Why?

• Well, because he was covering two jobs due to the downsizing. Why?

• Because management falsely concluded they could do away with half the workforce and still get everything done.

Leaders who know how to reinforce candor are not afraid of the answers to why questions. This is how they uncover the root cause of problems while keeping people's self esteem whole.

Learning has become a habit forgreat leaders. This may include actually taking courses (or teaching courses, which is the best way to learn material), independent reading, attending seminars, volunteering to serve on local boards, etc. Less brilliant leaders are too busy surviving the day to look around and experience what is really happening.

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Do Not Mix Empowerment and Morale - By Robert Whipple

About the Author: Robert Whipple

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Robert Whipple is CEO of Leadergrow Incorporated, an organization dedicated to development of leaders. He has spoken on leadership topics and the development of trust in numerous venues across the country. He is author of three leadership books: The Trust Factor: Advanced Leadership for Professionals, Understanding E-Body Language: Building Trust Online, and Leading with Trust is Like Sailing Downwind. His ability to communicate pragmatic approaches to building Trust in an entertaining and motivational format has won him top ranking wherever he speaks. Audiences relate to his material enthusiastically because it is simple, yet profound. His work has earned him the popular title of The TRUST Ambassador. Mr. Whipple has been published in several Leadership and Training journals including Leadership Excellence Magazine and T+D Training + Development Journal. He is a frequent contributor to The Rochester Business Journal. He has been named one of the top 50 thought leaders on the topic of leadership development by Leadership Excellence Magazine and one of the top 100 Thought Leaders on Trustworthy Business Practices by Trust Across America. Mr. Whipple has a BSME, MSChE, MBA and is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP). Contact at www.leadergrow.com or 585-392-7763
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