Learning is easy. Once you set your mind on something. It’s impossible if you don’t.
We talked last week about being open to new or different ideas. Now you’re at work, learning your job.
Soon you discover that some things aren’t open to you. Maybe many things.
What do you do?
We’re not talking about the unspeakable bad things – the Elephants in the Room. We’re talking about the small things that are just “not your job”, or “that’s just how we do things here”.
Those little things that you’re not sure you can touch. Out of bounds.
You can’t learn about things that you can’t see or touch.
Of course every organization has to organize. People have to do their own jobs not hunt around doing others’.
But in every organization there are lots of grey areas between jobs and teams.
Most of these grey areas aren’t decided by the organization, they’re just neglected or self limited by individuals who don’t want to encroach on others, or are afraid to. Or hope someone else will.
There’s a lot for you to learn by extending your limits. By challenging where your boundaries are.
Seeking knowledge without waiting for permission is an important trait for leadership. Not just being curious but actively looking out for opportunities to learn something new.
This doesn’t have to be a selfish game. Reaching out to support a co-worker helps them, and the whole team, whilst growing your knowledge and experience.
You don’t need to break rules or cause chaos either. Most boundaries are set by habit not regulations.
A lot of learning happens in the first days or weeks of a new job, but often slows down or stops then pattern repetition takes over.
Stretching your boundaries doesn’t just find new things to learn, it challenges existing thinking and keeps you fresh in your core work.
“.there’s a lot for you to learn by…challenging where your boundaries are…”
If you’re lucky enough to have good Learning and Development programs at work become an avid participant, even if you think you know the subject.
Also step back and figure out what’s not being taught, and go there yourself. Be an active learner no matter your age or experience.
Creating learning opportunities isn’t just a job for leaders or specialists, it’s your responsibility.
Start today.
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“I might be wrong, but at least I’ve thought about it…”