In the age of information, we have access to unlimited online resources, it could be something as simple as looking up a question on Wikipedia or taking an online course to upgrade our professional skills. It seems everything we want to know is at our finger tips.
With abundant sources of information available to us, some people have trouble “wrapping their heads” around new ideas and insights. Often it seems, there is so much “new” information we have become paralyzed in our growth and learning. Along with this, critics of the traditional education system say we are still teaching students to “think within the box” instead of thinking outside the box to create new boxes.
The question that was posed to me was, “if people’s heads are so full of knowledge, then how can they be expected to learn anything new”? The simple answer is, you must ‘purge your head’, in order to make room for new knowledge. It sounds strange, but it’s a simple thing to do. It’s a case of putting aside what you already know, and being open to learn new concepts; this is the starting point.
Here are a couple of habits to keep in mind that will enable you to stay open to learning and improving within your organization.
Always remain a student
An important characteristic of high-level performers is the value they place on being lifelong students. They are always seeking to learn and improve, and most of their learning is typically done informally. For example, they might choose a mentor within their organization to learn from, learning about their role, and the challenges they face. Great athletes have always been known to continually learn from their team members, coaches and yes, even their competition. Learning never stops for them.
Always remain humble
High-level performers are typically confident in their skills and abilities to perform at their highest level. Yet, what most people don’t realize, and often miss, is they never think they know everything. They always remain open to new ideas and suggestions on how to improve their skills and abilities. It’s what keeps them consistently improving throughout their careers and in their personal lives.
If you think you know everything there is to know about your profession, or if you are clinging to old practices simply because ‘that’s the way it’s always been done’, then perhaps it’s time to empty out your knowledge vault and make room to learn new and innovative ways to manage, lead and perform in our modern day workplace.
All the best in achieving your highest performance.
Paul
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono at FreeDigitalPhotos.net