Leaders are self-made, practical learners

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Leaders are pragmatic learners. They take the time to reflect and learn as they go from life’s experiences. Consider the following description of leadership from Burt Nanus in his book Visionary Leadership.

“Look at the life story of a visionary leader and it is unlikely you will find much in the way of specific training for leadership. Thus far, most people who have succeeded as visionary leaders seem to have been self-selected and self-made. Bill Gates received no leadership education, nor did Ted Turner, Wayne Huizenga, Frances Hesselbein, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, or any of the others… And apart from an active curiosity , some basic intelligence, and the ability to learn from experience, they seem to have no remarkable genetic endowment predisposing them to leadership success. They are people who figured out for themselves how to dream dreams, enthuse others with their visions, and then make them happen.” –

Having a dream and the courage to act on it, is the first step on the leadership journey. The ability to learn from and adapt to the unfolding events and challenges on the journey is the key to success. Leadership creates action to shape the future and conditions of uncertainty the ability to learn as you go is what separates winners from losers.

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