Leaders and Perpetual Learning:

It’s hard to believe the year is almost over.  I hope this has been a “learning” year for you.  Have you ever heard the saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”  There are lots of us that disagree with that saying and think that we can all continue to learn no matter how old we are.

 

A recent study of ninety top lead­ers in a variety of fields determined just what it is that sets leaders apart.  Those who rise to the top of their professions have the never-ending ca­pacity to develop and improve their skills.  In other words, leaders are perpetual learners.

 

None of us ever know enough!  We should always walk that path of learning.  Personal growth should never end.

 

Jessie just cele­brated her 80th birthday.  She talked with much enthusiasm about a quilt she had recently finished making for her great-grandson. She wanted the center square to be special and asked him what picture he would like for that square. The little boy replied, "I want a turtle."

 

Jessie had never made a turtle. "How about a dog or a house?" she suggested.  I can't make a turtle."  "Well, Gramma," he said. "I think you're old enough to learn."  And she did!  The finished quilt had a turtle right in the middle!  Jessie discovered that he was right – she was old enough to learn!

 

Are you a perpetual learner?  It's part of building a whole and happy life.

 

Sections of this reading can be found in Steve Goodier's book:  RICHES OF THE HEART