Strong leadership requires the curiosity and commitment to continuously learn and refine your approach. A willingness to involve others in setting the direction, recognising your key challenges and creating feedback loops are just some of the ways leaders can commit to being a learning leader.
Leaders are required to adapt their style and grow their knowledge over time, responding as the environment around them changes and the needs of the communities they work with evolve. Wanting to learn and grow, an openness to new ideas and willingness to try different approaches are all positive traits.
Leave seniority at the door
To be a ‘learning leader’ there are times when leaving your ‘name badge at the door’ can be of benefit. It may give people more confidence to share their knowledge and skills, and leaders more opportunities to be the one asking, not answering, questions.
Direction comes from learning and knowledge
Leaders know that the best laid plans come from a clear understanding of the environments they’re operating within. Knowing the resources, capacity and skills sets available to them.
To design appropriate solutions and tackle inequalities, it’s essential for leaders to remain committed to learning and knowledge gathering. This can mean continuous professional development and staying aware of data and insights to inform next steps.
Reflective questions
- How curious are you? Are there any other questions you could ask? Do you and your teams have all the information you need? Is there anything you’re missing? Are there any communities you’re not hearing from?
- What other opportunities exist that could help support your continued professional development?
- What would it look and feel like to enter a learning environment without your job title, to sit and soak in the information without the pressure of leading in that space?
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