A leader’s mission is to direct and motivate an organization so it can achieve profitability.
Although this seems like a simple statement the reality as we know is much more complicated.
A leader needs to oversee a maze of issues while staying ahead of their competitors.
On top of it, one bad move and it can be broadcasted across the organization, the nation, and the world in seconds.
An interesting article recently published discussed that great leaders spend time every day learning.
It may come from books, newspapers, webinars, etc. but they see the value in taking the time to learn something new every day.
By doing this, it provides them the opportunity to consider different options or explore new paths that they had not considered before.
As a recruiter for over thirty years, it amazes me when candidates tell me they don’t have the time for professional development.
Even if a person spends half an hour a day learning, that is 3 ½ hours a week which equates to 182 hours a year!
Learning keeps you young too according to my grandmother who lived to 103 years old.
She was an avid book reader and also read the newspaper every day.
She explained to me that consistent learning expands your horizons.
As an example, you can be reading about a place you may never visit but you still feel like you had been there.
Leaders need to stay abreast of developments in industries that may not affect their own business today but could be a possibility in the future.
After reading the biography of Steve Jobs, I thought about all the different businesses I lead and how I could integrate them for my clients.
Collaborations can be created as well to leverage two very diverse companies.
Some that have been very successful include Nestle selling Girl Scout cookie candy bars and Dunkin Donuts selling Baskin Robbin flavored drinks.
When was the last time you had dedicated time to learn?
Have you had an Aha! moment after something you read or listened to on a podcast, etc.?
If so, how did you incorporate this new idea into your business?