Reflecting on Lifelong Learning

With the beginning of the COVID pandemic one and a half years ago, we found ourselves reflecting on ingrained routines and adjusting to a new normal. It was often described as a time of slowing down, focusing on family and close friends – and a time to reflect. At the same time, many decided to dedicate the time to acquire new skills: #learning a new language, cooking new recipes, or picking up a new hobby. For others, it was a time of high pressure, change, and an overload of responsibilities.

For me, it was and still is a time that requires to act with strategic foresight, a sense of urgency, and responsibility. Facing this crisis in the first months of being named CEO of Henkel, I had to take even more and a different kind of #leadership than expected. The speed of decision-making in an environment of high uncertainty was intense, but I can proudly say that as a strong team and our Henkel spirit, we have come through this time of disruption very well.?

Looking back at the level of change and adaption in the past 18 months made me think about the importance and impact of lifelong learning. I thought of four factors driving knowledge in my everyday life: learning by disruption and change, active listening and exchanging information, practicing on the job, and taking time for self-reflection. Sometimes, all of this can happen simultaneously. And it always helps us to grow and improve.?

First, I am convinced that the most rapid learnings are achieved when being pushed out of your comfort zone. When I look back at my 26 years at Henkel, what always drove and excited me the most, was creating new things from scratch. I am impressed with what we can achieve as a team when we are “not afraid to be afraid” and when we take new paths. Adapting to change is often a big challenge. Nevertheless, those challenges are inevitable to grow, to gain new skills and expertise. “Never change a running system” might feel good today but can be the setup for failure tomorrow. Learning through leaving the comfort zone might be the most valuable efforts we can make to grow. Sometimes, it moves you to the core and makes you feel uncomfortable, but it will create a significant impact – for you, for your team, and the entire organization.

The second way to acquire new learning is to interact with inspiring personalities. They might be colleagues, peers, or friends. I always enjoy participating in events and network internally and externally to generate new input. Exchanging knowledge in personal conversations and absorbing insights and new perspectives opens your eyes to new perspectives. My most important learning: you need to listen with an open and non-judgmental mind to really gain new insights from such interactions. Tapping into the knowledge base of colleagues can be very rewarding as well and?creates a great learning organization. But also, informal conversations can be a rewarding source of knowledge. Practically, “on the go,” you can learn about the newest online movements and trends while grabbing a coffee or having a brainstorming session. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an open mind for the people surrounding you. And that’s also why I can′t wait for us to be able to meet and?work together again more closely in the coming months after all the time when we could only connect remotely.?

Third, learning and applying what learned are inseparable. As we repeat specific tasks or face similar issues and situations within a profession, we gain practice, refine our skills, and adapt what we learned to the specific challenges we face. With more repetition comes experience, and in the end, expertise. While repetition can hinder progress in the long run, it often builds a solid foundation for excellence. To keep the right balance, leaders play an essential role. For me, part of being a leader is listening to the employees closely. As a leader, you do not only teach and guide your team. But you also learn from your team. Since you spend so much time working, it is vital to make the most of it.?

Finally, many important and deep learnings can be generated by self-reflection. For every new encounter I have, I think about my objective. Afterward, I like to look back and reflect on my learnings. Often, I am surprised by the direction it took in the end. Reflecting on experiences, and myself, whether it is good or bad, allows me to grow and see more clearly. Reflection allows the brain to pause, untangle and sort observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning. This meaning becomes a learning process that can then inform future thinking and actions. Making sense is critical for continued growth and development. Taking time to reflect is a minor change in your routine – with significant impact. Sometimes it can be hard to contemplate, as you will not only see the good but also find flaws. But this is when the real learning process starts.?

Lifelong learning is a blessing and opportunity we all should openly embrace. This is my personal conviction, but we are also approaching this strategically at Henkel. Because we want to promote a culture of exchange, openness, and constant upskilling. Through interesting learning offers. Through an inspiring environment. And by driving and exemplifying this as a leadership team.?