The greater part of learning...

In a few days I will be teaching leadership concepts at an event that crystalizes much of what I write about. This event is a "University" for people who have achieved a significant level of success in the company. They have not reached the top of the compensation and incentive structure, but they have reached a level that positions them for the next major success levels. Some are now full-time and earn a full-time income, while others are within several months to a year or two from full-time (depending on income level needed for the individual).



It is an honor for me to be allowed to work with this group. And while in theory I will be teaching them, I will also be learning from them. You see, as I believe Plato said, "The greater part of learning is to be reminded of what we already know," this 5 days will serve as a reminder for me of many important things.



For starters, everything I will be teaching to them I will be hearing again myself. This will further my own learning, but also, as my style is facilitative, I will be initiating the sharing of their ideas on the topics, which will not just provide insight for all 50 or so of the participants but for me too. This reminds me that we all can learn from everyone, everywhere, if we will simply keep our ears and our minds open!



This group will be comprised of people from all different backgrounds, occupations, experiences, education levels (from none to multiple degrees), and cultures. There will be all the different personality types present. They will have all had their own unique path to the level of success they currently possess. Some will have achieved this level in less than 6 months and others will have taken several years. This is a reminder that anyone can succeed by simply being the best they can be, being diligent in their efforts, and being patient with their own personal process. Some of these people will have stories that will make others in the room feel like their path has been a piece of cake! This reminds me that while I can always find someone who's situation I would like to be in, there are also at the same time, literally billions of people who would gladly trade places with me.



Some of these people will be strong in areas where I am weak, and yet in many cases I am strong in areas where they are weak. The key is simply that we all work in the areas of our strengths, making them even better, and only work on the weaknesses that inhibit our opportunities to use our strengths.



What these people all share is that they have heard "not yet" more than the people who have not reached their level yet. They are generally incredibly nice, caring, giving, honest people who are focused on living life to the full in a way that fosters great relationships, healthy bodies and minds, and is not encumbered by self-imposed limitations. They are all exapmles of where anyone can go if they are committed to getting there.



As the week progresses (it starts Thursday) I will share nuggets as they come up.