What do you desire most in an employee, partner, or person you do business with on an ongoing basis?
The answer to this question is the basis for many partnership formations, hiring decisions, and promotions. In response, many leaders enumerate in-demand skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Followed by a slew of technical abilities. Then, these lists are updated or recycled every 3-5 years as societal norms evolve and consumer behavior changes. But given the perpetual changing tide, could it be that rather than merely acquiring skills, people benefit most from learning how to grow?

Learning to grow is developing the capacity to cultivate and improve beneficial skills and abilities. And teaching employees how to grow is the most advantageous investment an organization can make in its people. – Not merely teaching them what is required to grow at the company, such as how to earn a promotion or receive top accolades. Instead, equipping them with the know-how to cultivate beneficial skills and abilities, at any time, no matter where they are.

Learning to grow

Learning to grow is a process. – A journey of discovery, continuous improvement, and adaptation.

Nowadays, we have many opportunities to learn. – This is a benefit of living in the Information Age! With the press of a button or voice command, we gather information from our devices and screens. When we do, we are informed. However, unless we invest time and effort in understanding information, we may know a lot yet remain unknowledgeable.
Additionally, with the proliferation of information, we face a heightened level of ambiguity, where people interpret the same situation in multiple ways. Therefore, the ability to discern – to understand – is an invaluable currency.

Information enables awareness. Awareness generates knowledge. Being knowledgeable comes from understanding. And understanding enables growth.

Why investing in growth truly matters.

At a time when today’s news is tomorrow’s history, growth is vital for success. And learning how to grow is an essential need. – It is the most beneficial investment an organization can make in its workforce.

Instinctively, we tend to prioritize and focus on what we can see today to develop what we need tomorrow. However, some of the brightest employees do not shine brightly today because they are late bloomers: Individuals whose abilities, talents, and successes become apparent with time. Therefore, when one is short-sighted, they do not recognize them. However, when a leader invests in them and their growth, they shine brightly. And this is the most rewarding investment a true leader can make.

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pexels | Maggie My Photo Album