Sometimes it's good to shake things up a little. You never know when your latest leadership insight is going to come, and sometimes it's those non-work activities that spark your thinking. Have you ever gotten into a rut when you just work and work and not much else? Hobbies are important, as are outside interests. Are you enriching your life (and your brain) through activities that have nothing to do with your job?
My new hobby is roller derby - a sport I find both amusing and challenging. I ordered some skates and protective gear, and I've begun learning how to skate again. Skating has reminded me that we can learn a lot by viewing more experienced people in action. When I was a new manager, I watched the executives at my company run meetings - trying to get a feel for how leadership looked like in action. Now that I'm skating, I watch experienced skaters fly around the rink and note the details, feet, posture, and speed. Observation is powerful - there is so much to learn just by paying attention. Once I notice something interesting about an experienced skater, I go around the rink and try it. It was a great way to go from wobbly to smooth in about an hours time.
This week, I encourage you to pay attention to the talented people around you. What can you learn from watching them in action? And don't forget to try the same thing outside the office.
Meanwhile - wish me luck. I see a lot of bruises in my future. Luckily, being a very short person, I have a shorter distance to fall!
Definately agree Cheri. The whole sphere of tacit learning revolves around learning and immersing yourself in the work environment.
Posted by: Adi @ The Management Blog | October 23, 2009 at 06:54 AM