I am the kind of handy person that can fix anything… as long as it only requires duct tape or superglue. Otherwise, I’m sunk. I tried hard to pass along a lot of good traits to my kids, but fixing and making things is not one of them. Despite his lack of fatherly training in those areas, or going to school for any hands-on skills, I marvel at my oldest son’s ability to recently build a large, elaborate, chicken coop. I mean, this thing is cool. Where did that ability come from? Luke is a continual learner – from drones, to chicken coops, to leading a men’s group – he doesn’t rest on his current knowledge and abilities but presses on to gain more knowledge and skills.
I share that because that is the type of mentality we all need as leaders – the ability to recognize our weaknesses and shortcomings and strive to gain traction and effectiveness in important areas of our life as we mature.
Leaders must be continual learners. It’s part of the definition of leadership. As Godly Leaders, it is essential to our growth and effectiveness to be continual leaders.
Here are four ways to ensure you are a continual leader:
#1 – DECIDE TO BE A CONTINUAL LEARNER.
Some people are where they are because they never want to move. One of the keys to being a continual learner is to think like one. Where can I get better? How can I get better? Where do I need to improve and learn? This is the mindset of a continuous learning leader. Godly Leaders recognize that it is essential that you make that decision that this is your life’s calling – to continually learn.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9
#2 – DIVERSIFY YOUR SOURCES.
One of the keys to being a good leader is learning from a broad array of types of sources and perspectives. Knowing what two sides are on a topic is important for a leader. To understand varying perspectives on a topic is actually the definition of being educated on a topic. Make sure to leverage the various resources that are available today – YouTube, internet searches, great books, blogs, online classes, church education programs – the list is longer than it’s ever been in 2023. Diversify and leverage the opportunities.
#3 – MAKE ROOM IN YOUR LIFE.
You have to make room in your schedule and life to be a continual learner. Whether it’s a couple of hours a week, a few minutes a day, or a few days a month, it won’t happen unless you make room for it in your busy life.
#4 – ALWAYS COME BACK TO GOD’S WORD.
At the end of the day, the most important thing we can do is to be lifelong learners of God’s Word. It’s amazing how, over four decades into reading God’s Word, it comes alive all of the time. I see new angles and perspectives most days in my quiet time. Make sure you are always taking what you’ve learned and comparing it to God’s Word. That’s the Godly Leaders plumb line. That’s our lamp and light to our “continual learner” path.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please subscribe below to receive a new weekly blog in your email on Tuesday morning. Also, if you think this blog would be helpful for others, please share it on social media or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!
Essential Godly Leadership: “Leading your life, your family, your work, your relationships, and your world in a way that is seeking wisdom from, and pleasing to, the Lord Jesus.”