The Founder of LinkedIn, Reid Hoffman, says he looks for an “infinite learning curve” when assessing leaders.
“Learner” and “Growth Mindset” may be the new competitive competencies we all need in a world where all we can count on is constant change.
How do we develop these competencies?
You can check out the great book, Mindset, by Carol Dweck. Here is a blog with an overview with some of her excellent ideas about developing a “Growth Mindset.”
Here are some additional thoughts from a recent article in Harvard Business Review:
*Experiment. Take a scientific “experimental” perspective to your projects. “We have three potential solutions, let’s do a small experiment with one of the options and collect some data to see if this works.” Entrepreneurs call this creating a “Minimal Viable Product” they can test.
*Unlearn & Relearn. With that same “experimental” mindset, consider some of your normal activities and ask “How could I do this differently?” Try different approaches and adopt new ways of doing things if appropriate.
*Learn from others. Building off of the first two ideas, get curious and find out how others address the same issues you deal with. For example: How do they prepare for a big presentation? What do they do to get their team fired up to work on a new project?
*Stretch Your Strengths. Consider some different “arenas” in which you can apply your natural talents. Try applying your strengths in a different context. You could learn a lot with this stretch.
We all need to stay relevant and continue to evolve. Try some of these ideas and keep your capabilities fresh!
*Ideas for this blog taken from: Tupper, H. & Ellis, S. “Make Learning a Part of Your Daily Routine,” Harvard Business Review online, November 4, 2021.
