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Leadership Truth #6 - Great Leaders Never Stop Learning

Guest post by: Robert Whipple

Article Overview: When we stop learning, it is time to call the undertaker. At birth, we are given one body and roughly 80 years - that is what we have. All of life is a series of learning opportunities. Great leaders are like sponges trying to absorb lessons in life, even in the most difficult of times.

Leadership Truth #6 - Great Leaders Never Stop Learning

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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Article Tags: 5 Why, Leadership, Problems, Trust, Values



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Re: 3 Ways I Used Twitter To Grow My Business This Week - Hi Olivia, It seems you are working in the area of leadership area. Is Leadership = Learning? I am looking for some good books on strategy? Which one do you recommend? Thanks, Robert
Re: Business Women Peer Mentoring Spotlight - Hi Everyone, Gosh, I REALLY appreciate your concrete feedback. This was far more than I expected and I'm glad you said what you thought straight out. Each of you have shared something of value and I want to take some more time to think and really go over what each of you have said. However, I can see there are some things I need to change right away. What an interesting point about a NEW program perhaps making people think they are guinea pigs! This is NOT what I want to convey! It's funny how we can see some things so clearly in others while not always seeing it for ourselves! I must admit there are a few things I've been meaning to change (like my bio which is very outdated). Obviously, these things need to be higher on my priority list. You caught me like the plumber who puts his clients first and doesn't get around to fixing his own tap! As far as my target market, I do feel quite strongly about working with Women Leaders and doing Leadership Coaching with them. It's non-negotiable in my books. In my Executive Coaching training, the terms "Leaders" and "Executives" are interchangable. To me, an Executive is a Leader and so is the Business Woman or Entrepreneur who is CEO of her own business. I love working with decision makers! What I did learn is that I need to avoid opening up the Leadership term beyond what I described above. I'm also wondering if there is a misunderstanding with the general public as to what Leadership Coaching really is. Leadership Coaching is all about developing your leadership skills, both as a people manager and in more effectively running and growing the business. There is ALWAYS room for growth in some way. As well, sometimes, we just need a sounding board to clarify what our next BEST step is. In fact, if a woman thinks she has nothing to work on, then we aren't a good Client/Coach fit anyway. How can she grow if she doesn't see the value of expressing ALL of the great ability within her? How can her company grow if she doesn't see the value of strategic planning for the next best level? Thanks again to you all! I will go back to my website and really question whether I am conveying the right message. I got more than I bargained for in this Spotlight... you generously offered way more than I was asking. I think we could be on to something great for the Forum. Now it's time to let someone else have the spotlight. It would be great if everyone took a turn! In gratitude, Tami
Decide your market first - Stop for a second and decide exactly who it is that you want to sell your product to. Once you've done this you'll have a far better idea of where to find them and what it is that they're interested in Cheers
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