Winning or learning — which is more important? As leaders, most of us place a high value on learning, and rightfully so. But the importance of being teachable cannot be overstated, as there’s a difference between teaching others and remaining teachable ourselves.
Nearly a decade ago, while attending a professional development event in Los Angeles, I adopted a mindset that has served me well:
“If I can walk away with one great idea, my time here has been well spent.”
Not every event delivers the return I hope for — sometimes I feel like there’s more cost than value — but this mindset reminds me that time is rarely wasted if I walk away with even one meaningful takeaway.
Looking back, one thing I wish I had done better was diversifying my skill set earlier in life. Even deep expertise in one area can only take you so far. As John Maxwell writes…
“Living to your potential requires you to keep learning and expanding yourself. For that, you must have a teachable spirit.” – John C. Maxwell
John Naisbitt adds, “No one subject or set of subjects will serve you for a foreseeable future, let alone the rest of your life.”
If we want lasting success, we must be remain highly teachable.
Here are five traits that help us get there:
- A Learning Attitude – Up to 85% of success comes from attitude, not ability. A closed mind shuts doors; a scarcity mindset blocks abundance.
- A Beginner’s Mindset – Remind yourself: “Everyone has something to teach me; every day I have something to learn.”
- Self-Reflection – The hardest person to lead is yourself. When challenges arise, ask: “Am I the cause?”
- Welcoming Feedback – Invite honest voices into your life. Often, the toughest critics when spoken in love spark the greatest growth.
- Daily Learning – Growth is the sum of self-discipline, and small, consistent gains – not sudden leaps.
Over the coming weeks, make a conscious commitment to remain teachable.
Spend 15–30 minutes each evening reflecting on your day:
- What did I read?
- What did I see?
- What did I hear?
- What did I experience?
- What did I do wrong?
- Who did I meet?
- What did I discuss?
The answers will shape the leader you are becoming.
Until next time — keep leading empowered and fighting for the highest possible good of those you lead.
Source:
(1) Maxwell, John. Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn. Center Street Publishing. 2013.
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