I recently wrapped up a training session for a company by asking the group to share one take away from the class. As they went around the table, almost everyone said something along the lines of “I already knew this stuff so it was a good reminder.”

But one person’s response in particular stood out. The CEO said, “I learned….”. There’s a world of difference between ‘I know’ and ‘I learned’. I believe that’s why that person is the CEO. They learned and they are constantly learning. 

This is a good lesson in being teachable and how remaining teachable will help you advance in your
career. People who know everything can’t go very far because they create a barrier to receiving new information. Each advancement requires more knowledge and gaining that knowledge means being teachable.

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young – Henry Ford

I admit that when I was younger I thought I knew a lot. One of the best things about getting older is that I know less and less each year and that’s how I keep growing. I love the work I do because even though I am often teaching the same material I learn something new each time.

The next time you have an opportunity to listen to a speaker or go to a seminar, don’t focus on what you already know, focus on what you can learn. An attitude of learning will take you places!