…those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler
Today’s T4D reminded me of Yoda’s instruction to young Luke Skywalker….”You must unlearn what you have learned.”
Tom Peter’s is fond of saying “The problem isn’t getting the new ideas in, it’s getting the old ones out.”
Leaders must be learners and teachers also. Our personal example and love of learning will most likely be the strongest invitation to those around us to discover for themselves the joy and power of learning. To awaken the spirit of the student within another and to help them grow their ability and desire to learn is one of the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of leadersip.
Lead on, Learn on, Teach on….and Keep on, Keepin On
Kirk Out
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:43 am
It’s lots easier for me to teach people new ideas than it is to get them to let go of the old ones. Our minds are designed to hang on to the patterns that we are used to - whether they are really useful or not. I think this means also that we should be more tolerant of ourselves when we don’t change as fast as we want to. It does take time, effort, and repetition! Thanks for your good work Kirk.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
This is a great example of continuous improvement for the leadership team. Most times, people think that to continuously improve you need to build on existing ideas, processes, etc. When in fact, new, “out of the box” ideas may get you where you need to be to really improve. Thanks Kirk!
Jim Keicher
Director, IT Support Services
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Isn’t it so true, our minds must be open enough to not only let the new stuff in but to allow the old stuff out. They can be as open as we want them to be but if we aren’t prepared to let the old stuff slide out, then the new stuff has nowhere to go. Luckily the new stuff is fairly tough and likes a fight so it can help in kicking the old stuff out too! Much along the lines of what Dr Paul has said.
Daniel Burns
Align Technology