The Question that Can Take You to the Next Level

Written by

Recently I’ve spent time with two great communicators: one has sold over 37 million books and the other is a leader of one of the nation’s largest churches and an amazing teacher. For all practical purposes these men are “on top of their game,” after all they have achieved the kind of professional success most people only dream of achieving. Interestingly, each of them independently of one another asked me the same question:

How can I get better at what I do?

I’m sure the very reason for their success is, what I call, “the life-long learner syndrome.” I was first introduced to it but an 83 year-old camp cook in South America when I was only 15. She called me in the kitchen and ask me to show her how to make Brazilian Stroganoff. She had been cooking five times longer than I had been alive, and yet, she was willing to learn from me. She was gracious and kind and did everything I ask her to do. There was no fuss, attitude, nor even the occasional “here’s a better way to chop onions.” I taught her how to make a dish, but she taught me a life lesson I have never forgotten: it’s never too late to learn. I blogged earlier about another life-long learner here.

From time to time, I also find myself asking: How can I get better, what do I need to change or learn? It often means reading a new book, attending a seminar or meeting with an expert who can help me break through a problem or a plateau.

What about you? How do you keep from getting stuck in your professional life?

leadership learning

Comments

15 responses to “The Question that Can Take You to the Next Level”

June 28, 2010

Sally Dethmer

I try reading a new business/ personal growth book week in order to stay fresh.

Reply
June 28, 2010

taminprogress

i pick the brains of friends who are way beyond me. those who have had, or are in, the journey that i have recently started. their advice and wisdom is priceless to me.

Reply
June 28, 2010

MaurilioAmorim

I'm thankful for so many people who have poured their wisdom into me. That's a great strategy.

Reply
June 28, 2010

Fran

I could possibly get on someones nerves because I tend to ask a lot of questions. Now my nearly 14 year old son does the same thing and I have to keep from smackin' him or telling him to shut up. 😉

Reply
June 28, 2010

@mozes007

Momentum. Finding way to stay in the mix, meeting new people, asking questions. No one wants to drink from stagnant water. You must keep moving, flowing, reaching.

Reply
June 29, 2010

MaurilioAmorim

I have an 11 year old that had been asking non-stop questions from the day he figures out how to put two words together. I feel your pain.

Reply
June 29, 2010

MaurilioAmorim

I like "no one wants to drink from stagnant water." great visual.

Reply
June 29, 2010

Mitch Ebie

The goal is to get into a groove in whatever you do. But sometimes that groove can turn into a rut if we are not willing and able to adapt to the transforming world around us. I try to keep my eyes open to new trends that are occurring and jump on any opportunities that will open new doors. These days the trends seem to be in social media.

Reply
June 29, 2010

MaurilioAmorim

I agree with you on trends. Social media is a red hot option for both personal and business.

Reply
July 7, 2010

Kathryn Lang

Thanks for sharing the "keep on learning" motivation. It can be easy to fall into a rut especially as you reach the higher levels of your game. The moment I quit learning, and quit trying, will be the moment I lose my grip and begin to slide down that very mountain I have been climbing.

Reply
July 20, 2010

Blake Bergstrom

Hey bro…

I really love your blog…i've never dropped in to give my love…but I think you know that I love you!! I was wanting to ask you a question…How can I do my job better? Since you're on our board…you can answer with some authority. don't hold back. i really want to learn. what could i read right now that would be timely?? I hope to always be an "L3" as well!

Much love my friend,

Blake

Reply
July 20, 2010

MaurilioAmorim

Blake,
I'd love to hang out with you sometime and chat. Let's get together soon.

Reply
July 20, 2010

Blake Bergstrom

i'm on vacation this week…but I"d love to go to lunch next Wednesday…would that work for you??

Reply
November 10, 2011

John Allman

I have been blessed with the opportunity to hire great people. I try to remain open to learning from them even if they do “work for me”. God also uses this to teach me humility.

Reply
November 10, 2011

John Allman

I have been blessed with the opportunity to hire great people. I try to remain open to learning from them even if they do “work for me”. God also uses this to teach me humility.

Reply