If you don’t understand something that you are certain you need to know, learn about it. The path to opportunities that promote professional growth is limitless. Study online; Go to school; network; read. The key is to do something to gain the knowledge, insight, and skills required to move ahead. By striving to become more educated on a broad scale (otherwise known as macro learning) while becoming well-versed in the topics you’re interested in, rather than allowing others to fill in the gaps for you.
Education Leads to Delegation
My personal mantra is to, “Never stop learning.” Not only does this help you stay relevant, but it also allots you to feel good about trusting others to do some of the work. Greater understanding leads to powerful delegation. You’ll have a sense of what’s going on, how expensive it’s going to bet, how long it’ll take, and it’s likely outcome. If you’re educated while you delegate concerning, finance, sales, operations, marketing, or the industry at large, you can call B.S. if you have to. You must know the playing field to take charge of the larger story; the wiser you are about your industry, sector, and your marketplace, the more adept you’ll be in managing your business, relationships, and reputation. Education leads to delegation.
Knowledge is Power
Applied knowledge is power. If you have access to the knowledge needed to cure cancer, but don’t know how to create a practical treatment, would you be able to eradicate the disease? No, you wouldn’t be able to. We achieve success only when we can see the bigger picture, and how all its pieces fit together. When working with my students and clients, it’s always gratifying for me to point them in the right direction and shine a light on issues that haven’t been brought to the surface. My hope is that they, in turn, teach others. You can too. Learn what you don’t know before you need to. Then, implement, practice, and share.