Learning Leaders

Are you a ' Learning Leader ' ?
Malcom Bane said "If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of of something for somebody - someday, you'll end up not doing anything for anybody."

Why should leaders be learners?
First of all, when you put yourself in the position to learn you ask yourself questions and that is ALWAYS a good thing? Self evaluation is something that seems to be missing in many leaders today. Just look at the news and you have to wonder when was the last time one of these 'leaders' really took inventory and took on the role of a learner?

Being a learner also requires humility and large dose of honesty. This is always a good trait in any leader.

Being a learner also requires initiative. Leaders are in a position of "GO FIRST" already. This is key to learning as well. It's important in prioritizing when you will add learning to your life. It's also key in determining WHEN to take action after learning.

Being a great learner means you also know the difference between KNOWING and UNDERSTANDING. You can know alot about something and not really understand it.

Last but not least... Leaders love to learn and they always love to learn about themselves and those they lead. If you aren't learning about those you lead... you may not be connecting as deeply as you could.
Connecting is vital to the success of those you lead as well as your own success as a leader.

I challenge you to find ways to really get to know those you lead.
Take this quiz and see how well you are connecting with those you lead.
1. Do you know what your team dreams about? (what motivates them?)
2. Do you know what your team members might sing about? (what inspires them?)
3. Do you know what your team members might cry about? (what touches them?)
4. When was the last time you sat across from those you lead and ask questions that matter to them?

Leaders love to learn...

Get More When You GIVE More!

You may ask 'how can you ask me to give more in today's economy?'

My answer is how can you not?

People all around us are needy. Our clients, our friends, our co-workers even our employers. We are all in this together! We have two choices — we can either push through it with a "why me" attitude or push through it with a "why not me" attitude. Either way—we're going through it!

Then the question becomes- What can you give? I'm so glad you asked!

Personally speaking...
You can give…

 a care.

 your time.

 an encouraging word.

 good news for a change!

 a note to your neighbor whose car you notice is in the driveway more because they've lost their job.

 blood.

 your time to read a book for kids at the library or local school.

 your old closet items to the women's shelter.

 your child's teacher a thank you card.

 your smile away to the man or woman in the elevator.

 a call to your local food bank and ask how to organize a food drive.

 an ear to a friend who needs to talk.

Business-wise…

You can give :

 30 minutes a week to work specifically on your referral business.

 knowledge or training to others.

 more personal attention to your clients by asking them how you could improve your service in just one way in 2009.

 your ideas through joining a networking group or industry specific board or committee.

 All you got to start everyday with a powerful and positive thought!

Just don't GIVE up!
Lisa Creed
Business Coach/Trainer
Creedteam.com