Is anyone else out there a devoted life long learner? I know I’m not alone on this as it’s a trait I’ve seen in some of those around me in the workforce. I truly believe that some of us develop a trait that just doesn’t allow our brain to sit back and chill. We are driven to keep learning about things that peak our curiosity and it doesn’t even have to be in a traditional way.
For some it might be adding extra degrees, certificates, or internship experiences to their resume. For others of us it may be continually reading, listening to podcasts, or traveling to experience things first hand. Either way, the one common denominator is that we are compelled to keep doing it throughout our lives. I have, however, realized that there is a large difference within the lifelong learning community and it is focused around what we do with the knowledge gained. I think many of my experiences within the last decade have also demonstrated that what we do with the knowledge defines our leadership style.
It boils down to this simple fact:
Application of knowledge is the difference between intelligence and wisdom.
While having the information stored up in our brain ready to be regurgitated at a moments notice might be okay for some, I find it unsettling how many people aren’t applying the information they’ve absorbed. However, I think that’s because I like to put into action the things I’ve learned to ensure I’m a better leader, a good human, and someone that others can turn to for genuine compassion when needed.
While it’s great to have an academic mind that can recite all you’ve consumed, how do you know the way the tactic functions in real life until you’ve applied it? Here’s an interesting example, and I only use it because this person actually admitted it on a podcast this year, Brené Brown admitted she’s a horrible manager. There’s a bit of irony there, right? I can respect that though. She assessed her strengths and weaknesses and discovered that she’s a master researcher but a horrible manager. Therefore, she built her team with subject matter experts that have strengths to make up for her weakness.
Since she’s taken the time to assess herself she doesn’t attempt to put herself in a position of leadership that she knows she isn’t ideal for. She has others filling that roll so she can succeed as a researcher and keep providing us all with necessary information to strengthen our leadership skills based on documented research. In her case it works but how many out there know a leader that loves to devour leadership or self-help books, videos, and podcasts but then doesn’t use the information learned? I’ve always wondered why they are consuming the information if there isn’t the desire to take the intelligence gained and turn it into wisdom by applying the knowledge in real life situations.
All of this is to ask you which type of leader you are. Are you an intelligent leader or a wise one? Whatever your answer, are you comfortable with it? Is that what you want to be seen as by your team? Is that how you wish to be remembered when your leadership journey comes to a close one day? If not, then maybe it’s time to evaluate what you’re doing with the knowledge gained.