"One of the things that may get in the way of people being lifelong learners is that they’re not in touch with their passion. If you’re passionate about what it is you do, then you’re going to be looking for everything you can to get better at it."
Jack Canfield
I won't define success for you. You need to do that for yourself. For some success is defined as accumulation of wealth, others a level of fitness or physical accomplishment, others a general sense of peace and joy in their life, others it could be building a business, whether an owner or employee, that serves their life and others could be to be able to spend quality time with others.
Perhaps success to you could be all those and more.
Regardless, I have come to discover in my years of working with people in business that two common characteristics exist among those who are successful in whatever they endeavor.
Number one is a compelling goal or vision. With a compelling goal or vision comes passion and commitment, focus, courage, perseverance, fortitude.
Number two is a constant, insatiable desire to learn and discover how to achieve their goal.
News Flash. Every single one of my clients that continue to breakthrough to new levels in their businesses are consummate learners. They are always reading, studying and growing.
I suggested to a client the other day, who happens to be an avid learner, if you want to build a super high powered team consider this idea.
First, consider how you get your people passionate about the work they do. I am not talking about showing up and going through the motions. I am talking about having a compelling vision for something related to what they do in your business everyday. Consider if they really care and are passionate about their work and results. Consider if they passionate about the vision of the business.
Then encourage them to learn and study everything they can about improving and doing that job well. Sadly, a lot of people won't take the initiative to learn. For some learning feels to much like school and school was a bad experience for them. So the idea of picking up a book or going to a seminar stinks.
Some people never developed an appreciation for learning. Personally, my parents built a strong value for learning in my life. I am grateful for that.
If someone is in sales, get them sales training books. If they are in HR, how about materials on human relations. Although that might be applicable to sales too.
The key is not shoving the information down their throats and say, "Read this!!" That, again, feels too much like my 5th grade teacher. Instead, put your energy into helping them develop a real passion for their work.
Recently, I have even gone so far with some clients to suggest that they don't hire people that aren't open minded, willing learners. In a Level 7 Business it's impossible to support the culture unless people are willing to learn and grow. Otherwise they will get left behind.
Finally, I mentioned to a client that, because I have so many folks I work with that are reading some really great stuff, I personally can't keep up with all the book recommendations I receive.
However, I would like to create a recommended reading list to share with all of you.
Please send me a comment with your list of your favorite or recommended books that you have read and have found valuable to you as you pursue your passion.