From Good to Great: Why Lifelong Learning Defines the Best Leaders
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." — John F. Kennedy
Think about two people starting their careers in the same company. Both show up, work hard, and do their jobs well. But over time, one of them starts to rise while the other remains in the same position. The difference? One of them actively seeks growth—reading books, learning from mentors, and embracing feedback—while the other sticks to what they already know.
Zig Ziglar once told a story about two men who started working for the railroad. One remained in the same job for years, while the other climbed the ranks to become the company president. When asked why, the difference was clear: One man simply worked for the railroad; the other was constantly learning, growing, and thinking like a leader.
This principle applies to every career. The best leaders aren’t born with special abilities—they develop them through continuous learning. As author Warren Bennis once said, “Leaders are made, not born.” If you want to stand out in your career, leadership, and life, you must commit to lifelong learning. Let’s explore how you can do this by setting learning goals, finding mentors, and embracing feedback.
Set Learning Goals That Challenge You
Growth doesn’t happen by accident. The most successful leaders set clear, intentional learning goals to push themselves forward. Instead of saying, “I want to improve my communication skills,” they commit to something specific, like, “I will enroll in a public speaking class and present at three meetings this quarter.”
To get started, ask yourself:
What skills do I need to develop to reach the next level in my career?
What knowledge gaps do I have that could hold me back?
What’s one new thing I’ve always wanted to learn?
Once you identify your learning goals, create a plan to achieve them. Read books, take online courses, and join industry groups. Most importantly, track your progress. The best leaders don’t just set goals—they follow through.
Find Mentors Who Push You Forward
No one succeeds alone. Every great leader has had mentors who guided them along the way. A mentor can offer wisdom, share personal experiences, and challenge you to grow in ways you never imagined.
If you don’t have a mentor yet, start by looking around. Is there a leader in your workplace whose skills and mindset you admire? Reach out and ask if they’d be open to occasional career conversations. You’d be surprised how many experienced professionals are willing to share their knowledge.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal, either. You can learn from books written by industry experts, follow thought leaders online, or even join mastermind groups where ambitious professionals exchange ideas and advice. The key is to surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better.
If you’re new to mentorship or want to refine your approach, check out my April 2024 mentorship series, where I covered key strategies on finding, engaging, and learning from great mentors. These articles lay the foundation for anyone looking to accelerate their career through mentorship.
Embrace Feedback Like a Pro
Feedback can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for growth. The best leaders don’t just tolerate feedback—they seek it out and use it to improve. Instead of seeing criticism as a personal attack, they view it as a gift that helps them sharpen their skills.
To develop a feedback-friendly mindset:
Ask for it regularly. Don’t wait for performance reviews. Check in with your boss, colleagues, or mentors and ask, “What’s one thing I could improve?”
Listen with an open mind. Resist the urge to defend yourself. Instead, take a deep breath and focus on understanding the perspective being shared.
Act on it. The most important step is applying the feedback to grow. Show others that you’re serious about improvement by making visible changes.
Over time, embracing feedback builds your confidence and resilience. It shows your team that you’re not just leading—you’re learning alongside them.
The Best Leaders Never Stop Learning
If you want to go from good to great, commit to lifelong learning. Set clear goals, seek out mentors, and welcome feedback with open arms. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, growing every day, and helping others do the same.
So here’s my challenge for you: Pick one area where you want to grow. Set a goal, find someone to learn from, and take action this week. Small, consistent steps will take you further than you ever imagined.
For more leadership insights and strategies to help you advance in your career, subscribe to my EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter. You’ll get practical advice on leadership, personal growth, and success straight to your inbox. Stay inspired, keep learning, and become the leader you were meant to be!
How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
What if the secret to growth wasn’t about sheer willpower but about understanding the science behind behavior change? In How to Change, behavioral scientist Katy Milkman unpacks why we struggle with personal and professional transformation—and more importantly, how to break through. She shares groundbreaking research on topics like temptation bundling (pairing a fun activity with a less desirable one), fresh start effects (using life milestones as motivation), and how to harness habits for long-term success.
This book is a game-changer for professionals committed to lifelong learning. Just like in our article From Good to Great: Why Lifelong Learning Defines the Best Leaders, Milkman emphasizes that personal growth isn’t about massive leaps—it’s about strategic, science-backed shifts. If you’ve ever struggled to stick with a new habit, improve a skill, or embrace feedback, this book provides the blueprint to make real change happen.
Ready to level up your leadership and personal growth? Grab your copy of How to Change today and start transforming your habits for lasting success. And for more leadership insights, strategies, and inspiration, subscribe to The EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter—because great leaders never stop learning!
