I began my professional life as a buyer. I met many interesting people and learned a lot about business, technology, and law. One day my boss asked me to lead a training session on a regulatory change for our entire division. The topic was important, just not very entertaining. I created a humorous back-story to illustrate features of the change that included several of the high profile people in the division - the people who were always the center of attention anyway, so I might as well leverage their fame.
We laughed as we learned. As my coworkers filed out the door at the end of the event, several told me I'd missed my calling. I should be a teacher, they said.
I was very pleased. My experience at university changed me in ways I never envisioned and on many occasions I privately pondered how I might return to the classroom as an instructor. I reevaluated what I wanted to do with my brief lifetime and launched a grad school trek. That was 30 years ago and since then I've taught courses at numerous schools, published research, and advanced through various leadership posts. At the end of these experiences I can confidently conclude learning that leads to the most impactful and productive growth occurs:
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in the context of secure relationships where you can openly reveal lack of experience and gaps in your knowledge; and,
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when you understand that while learning about new things, you also learn new things about yourself.
I invite you to learn with me, but not in a classroom. Instead, I provide resources for you to leverage learning in the best learning space possible - real life. As you live your life by leading and loving your family, performing on the job, participating in community events, or serving in your church, I will provide a systematic, evenly paced, experiential journey that you can leverage to increase your wisdom and impact.
During my many years as an instructor I learned to develop learning activities that place people in life situations where the stakes are real and the rewards are tangible. When engaging people and tackling projects I found my students growth and improvements were being noticed by supervisors, family members, and friends. Many times these applied learning activities led to new assignments and promotions at work. The formula is simple: we read and discuss new concepts, identify changes to make or problems to solve, create an action plan, and take action. After the smoke clears, we evaluate and reflect in a safe way about the experience.
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Learning is guaranteed when using this approach effectively and consistently. You can find information about upcoming learning events in the learn it page of this website. Each month I will recommend a book and provide worksheets for reflection and action planning. Plus, I will launch each 30-day journey with a live webinar where I will briefly review the book and discuss how to use it for best benefit. Throughout the month I will blog about the book and invite you to share your experiences with the material. In the blog space we can encourage one another to think deeply and personally about the book and your plans for taking action. The learn it and blog resources are FREE.
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The books I select represent the best and most helpful in professional development. I don't always select the latest books published. Rather, I select books based upon how they have stood up over time as resources for solid professional growth. Consistency, not volume, is the key. By reading a few pages daily and considering how to use the material in any aspect of your life, you will prepare to engage with people and tasks differently.
When we learn, we change. Explore the site and make a decision to to learn.
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