Never Stop Learning Part 2

USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN

If you are serious about being successful in business, then always remain open to learn from others around you, from seminars, conferences and leaders you admire. Turn your knowledge into real wisdom – it’s not a new problem:

Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honour you.”

Proverbs 4: 6 and 8

Knowledge is part of learning, however applying knowledge, learning wisdom, is just as crucial. Reading or listening to teaching and instruction alone are not much value if we don’t apply what we have learned.

STEPS TO PUT IN PLACE RIGHT NOW

Take Notes: Buy a notebook, use a tablet or journal to use at all future events you will be attending and where someone will be speaking – note at least ONE thing you can action from what you learn.

Don’t forget the everyday: Keep a notebook or tablet near your TV set so that you can write down or look up anything that challenges you while you watch.

Invest in materials: Books, CDs or audio/video downloads on topics where you need input right now (and actually listen to or read them).

Ask questions: Be curious – ask questions of successful people you know; learn both from their accomplishments and from their mistakes. Develop the ability to ask the right questions on e.g. how to lead and manage people & their problems, how to grow your business without losing its uniqueness, best practices in accounting and finances, etc.

Put aside your pride: Be honest with yourself, you don’t know everything! Have an open attitude, even if that speaker or seminar wasn’t ‘news’ to you, there is always somewhere you can improve. There are always new technologies to embrace, even older tried-and-true techniques that have been forgotten. Remember your attitude will reflect on your staff as well, so stay open.

Develop a culture of learning: Encourage your staff to take training courses or provide inhouse training. Give them permission to input new ideas and learn for themselves.

Don’t wait: Till you have more time, till you are more successful, till you need to know. The more you learn and apply, the more problems you will be able to avoid or begin to overcome.

Peter Irvine
www.peterirvine.com
Peter is Co-Founder of Gloria Jean’s Coffees, author of ‘Win In Business’ and ‘Building your Business, your People, your Life’ and keynote speaker.

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