The Teachable Leader

Have you ever thought about the secret to maintaining a healthy culture and continued growth in your organization?

Of course there are a great many things that contribute to maintaining the growth of a company. But I’ve found the aspects of our company culture and growth that I can control tend to relate to me as a leader.

When I remain healthy and continue to grow as an individual, I contribute to the company’s ability to follow suit. Over the years, I’ve found that leaders who do not remain in a place of personal growth put their companies at risk. And I want to ensure that I’m always on the right side of that equation.

One of the best ways to do that is to always remain teachable.

Teachable leaders are eager learners. They display a passion for acquiring new knowledge and new experiences.

The eager learners I know possess a fervent desire to progress, moving ever closer to their personal and professional potential. You can detect a special kind of joy in their countenance. I think this kind of eagerness contributes to a person’s ability to see the world as fresh and full of possibilities.

Living with this kind of passionate perspective also nourishes seeds of humility. The special people I know who see the world like this teach me how learning and humility connect to produce passionate progress. And that’s inspiring to me.

I find that teachable leaders are self-aware. They understand that “Know Thyself” isn’t just a good old saying. It refers to the wisdom of understanding who you are as a person, and that includes knowing your strengths and your weaknesses.

When you’re self-aware you understand how people see you and react to you, in meetings for example. Remaining self-aware is a major factor at establishing and maintaining lasting relationships.  

Teachable leaders are also curious leaders. They love to constantly ask questions.

Curiosity keeps your mind awake and your heart alive. It compels you to step out of your leadership comfort zone and try new things. Staying curious as a leader can be as simple as keeping your personal interests and hobbies alive. I love to play the trumpet, and to garden. Those two endeavors keep me curious.

When we as leaders can quickly take responsibility for our mistakes, remain self-aware, and keep curious, we invite a teachable spirit.