I have been wanting to write this post for a while. I have said it many times in passing to individuals and in my writings, but I have never dedicated an article to it. Very few things boil my blood more than seeing business owners, or employees for that matter; that refuse to pick-up a book, read a blog post, or take a class to grow and learn how to be better. Better leaders, better followers, better innovators, better problem solvers, better marketers, better at anything and everything.
A couple months ago I was elated to receive an advanced copy of Great Leaders GROW – Becoming a Leader for Life, by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller. I received the book and I exhaled and said “Finally.” Not only was this a book by one of my favorite authors, but it hit the nail on the head. I receive a lot of books to review, but I never write about a book that does not move me. This one did it.
In the introduction it reads, “We’re convinced, after more that seventy years of combined leadership, that the path to increased influence, impact, and leadership effectiveness is paved with personal growth.” I could not have said it better myself. As individuals, and especially leaders in an organization increase their personal growth, that increase of wisdom, knowledge, influence, and effectiveness will directly impact every level of an organization. A learning environment and a culture that epitomizes personal growth, is abundant in innovation an success.
Another point I love in the book, was early on and stated, “My capacity to learn determines my capacity to lead. If I stop learning, I stop leading.” Isn’t this true? Leaders that fail to grow, become stagnant. They fail to remain on the edge, fail to remain ahead of the pack. As more research and studies in psychology, human behavior, and social behavior are performed, leadership techniques and tools continue to advance. Ken and Mark leave a great question to ask yourselves, “Will you be a leader that tries to apply yesterday’s solutions to today’s problems?”
The need to continue growing is ever present in all areas of life as is so poignantly said in the book, “Growth is what separates living things from dying things. Organizations and people that are fully alive, GROW.” I have seen what a non-growing company and individuals look like and I have also seen what a growing one looks like. It is without a doubt the epitome of mediocrity vs success.
In my twitter profile I write that I am a “seeker of wisdom.” In the winding down pages of the book, my twitter bio became a lot more meaningful. “Wisdom is accumulated over months, years, and decades. You’ve got to stay with it. The pursuit of wisdom, like …other areas of growth, is never ending. Don’t try to rush it – and never stop seeking it.”
There is so much wisdom in the world. there is very little knowledge that cannot be learned. How to become better a spouse, a better father or mother, a better leader and among just a few of the important concepts that we should always seek greater wisdom. If you are not a reader or seeker of wisdom, I would challenge you to try change, to seek after knowledge that will make you better. Read Great Leaders GROW – Becoming a Leader for Life, by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller, and then devour everything you can. Then put that wisdom to practice.
Well written response. You made a great point of getting wisdom and putting it into practice. So often people get the knowledge and do nothing with it. You made some great points. I enjoyed reading this article.
Todd,
Thanks for this post! I couldn't agree more. I loved the book as well and had an opportunity to talk with Ken about it in May. This one will go on my top 10 books list for leaders as well as his leading at a higher level book. Thanks for adding value.
Todd, outstanding article. I must pick up Ken's book! I loved your quote, "I have seen what a non-growing company and individuals look like and I have also seen what a growing one looks like. It is without a doubt the epitome of mediocrity vs success." What is YOUR book called? Thanks again.
Paul Buyer, author of Working Toward Excellence.
Todd, Super post! I know of organizations that have essentially sealed themselves off from the rest of the world. Once powerful, they stopped growing and the vitality is gone. It's sad to watch. Thanks again Todd. This is the second time in a week that you helped me by sharing your wisdom.
Recommend to read if someome really interested to grow & lead by actions. Thanks for sharing simple but strong message.
It is truly said that we can not solve today's problem by adapting yesterday's approach in this fast growing global village though much can be learned from the experience we gain & accumulate.
Well said!
Todd,
Thank you for a great post. I am going to quote you at my team meeting today.
"Growth is what separates living things from dying things. Organizations and people that are fully alive, GROW.”.
Best,
Tim Foster
Anytime, Tim. Happy to help. Let me know whenever you need another one of my quotes to use. Typically, I can just pop a new one off the top of my head. It's a gift.
Glad you liked the article Tim. Have a great, growth filled week!
Hi Todd
Excellent post! I could feel the passion in your writing and would support you 100% in your view – if you stop learning, you stop leading!
I am now heading off to the Amazon site to see if I can get their book for my Kindle!
Have a brilliant week my friend!
Kind regards
John
You too John, have a great week and happy reading.