How Can Leaders be Good Learners?

If you asked people what traits they associate with a leader, you will usually get ideas such as taking command, making decisions, and initiating action.  With less frequency will you get ideas such as being flexible,  being an excellent listener, and being receptive to feedback.  'These are traits for our followers,' someone might think, 'I don't need to focus on these because I am the leader'.

That someone would be wrong.

A leader must be just as active in improving herself as she desires her team to.  Someone once told me 'If you're coasting, you're going downhill,' and if you are a leader who is not developing yourself you are becoming less effective.

But being in a learning environment can be difficult for someone who is so used to teaching.  When in  classroom, small group, or even one-on-one situations we are the the ones who must be learning.  And because of this unfamiliarity certain destructive instincts may come out.  We may try and be assertive of our own opinion and be unwilling to listen to other ideas that may challenge ours.  Or, we may try to project a subtle air of authority that will help us be viewed as above, or not needing, this instruction.  We may try and pretend we are already familiar and expert with the content being taught.

All of these possibilities can be expressed non-verbally, without saying anything.  These tendencies may come out independent of the leader realizing it, and they are all focused on preventing us from improving upon ourselves.  We must actively fight against them, and here's how.

1) Embrace your leadership instinct by committing to take a silent partnership role with the teacher.  Desire him or her to succeed in his or her goal.  Work with them to create a culture of understanding and curiosity.

2) Be aware of your body language.  Maintain eye contact and be conscious of your facial expressions.  Focus your attention where the teacher asks for it.  Smile.

3) Be an active and enthusiastic participant. If you are a leader, most likely other's will see you as such, so lead by example and ask questions, share difficulties you've had, and encourage everyone's involvement.

Taking an active role in being a good learner not only develops you as a leader, but it also indicates to others that you truly value those who are active learners, which strengthens your team.  Two benefits in one!