Learning.  "A leader is a lifelong-learner."

I believe this to my core.

Is there ever a time a leader says, "I’ve arrived"?  Nope.  Is there ever a time a leader says, "Now, I know enough"?  No way.  Is there ever a time a leader is not learning a new aspect of Christ…a new character quality…taking new territory in their own soul for The Kingdom?  Never.

It seems God has always had a fresh list of areas that He’s been trying to grow in me.  Also, I’ve sensed He’s only targeted a handful of changes at a time in me (from the thousands and thousands of options) to keep it manageable.  As I’ve grown, God has rolled that item off my "active" list and rolled another into its place.

I don’t think you can lead effectively, over the long-term, without being a learner.  Listen to these quotes:

• "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."  (John F. Kennedy)
• "All leaders are learners.  If you ever stop learning, you will stop leading." (Rick Warren)
• "If you stop learning today, you stop leading tomorrow." (Howard Hendricks)
• "A leader is a lifelong-learner."  (Tim Howey)  🙂

So, what do I do to keep growing as a leader?

• I read the Bible on a daily basis.
• I evaluate circumstances in life to discern what God might be trying to teach me.
• I read books on a regular basis.
• I learn from other leaders (listening to leadership CDs and reading their newsletters).
• I assume God always, always, always has another lesson for me (and it’s my job to discern and act on what that lesson is).

Do you buy this?  And what’s your plan (i.e. help me grow more!)