Start with what you know; Don’t stop there.

These past few weeks, I have met with business leaders, nonprofit leaders, start-up entrepreneurs, teachers looking for an exit strategy, and public education leaders needing data to help them through their next big push for excellence before the end of the academic year.

Each conversation serendipitously led back to one nugget: start with what you know, but don’t stop there.

A growing body of research highlights the importance of lifelong learning for those who serve in leadership roles. Continuous learning helps leaders keep up with the rapidly changing environment, technologies, and industry-led innovations. Leaders who embrace lifelong learning tend to be more adaptable, innovative, and effective in dealing with change and uncertainty.

Often we forget that what we know is nearly as important as what we want to learn.

Evidence suggests that leaders that are prioritizing learning are more confident and better equipped to make informed decisions. When I think about the literature related to leadership development, there is a clear line between demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth and maintaining relevance and credibility.

We know leaders who demonstrate continuous learning inspire teams to do the same.