The incredible Andrew Carnegie stated in his autobiography :
"Whenever one learns to do anything he has never to wait long for an opportunity of putting his knowledge to use."
I agree with this truth, but I wonder how many others do not allow themselves to embrace this? As leaders in life and business, growth of ourselves is a necessity if we wish to improve our businesses and our own personal brand. As the best leaders and aspiring leaders have embraced this need for growth, I have come to see a percentage that does not take their learning beyond the embrace. I have known people to be focused on personal growth yet timid to exercise their increased knowledge. This mindset is a liability to their success. I would provide the simple relation to a person who works out feverishly only to sit on their muscles - only getting bigger for themselves and not the subsequent activity of improving others.
In leadership, our growth cannot be single-minded. That is not growth for leadership, it is growth for MEdership. We should be conditioned to place our knowledge into action for the betterment of others, albeit family, friends or employees.
I am sure you will find that as you gain knowledge, you will soon see an open window to fill with value. Fill it! If you do not, someone else may fill that window of opportunity with stale knowledge that does not lead to the best outcome. I am not saying that your knowledge is always going to be the best, but it stands no chance if you do not share it.
If you are a young leader, please think on this and take it to heart. If a seasoned leader, please share this with young leaders. I have been the guy who sat on my learnings because I told myself I was too young. This mindset hindered me. Once I turned it around and began trusting what I am learning, my value add increased and all things improved as a result. As you learn new things, take time to think on the subject matter. Create a mock-scenario that you can use as your test board. Talk to your friends, family and wise counsel about it. If they buy into it -- it is likely ready to fly.
Those who elect to allow their learning to stagnate, use care when handling. One day when you go to grab it, you might have to brush off the mold and watch out for the stink.
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