I’ve enjoyed reading Dave Kraft’s blog Leadership from the Heart for several years, as well as his three previous books. The latest book from the 84-year-old author, with fifty-five years of vocational Christian leadership experience, is Finish Line Leadership: Setting the Pace in Following Jesus. Recently, I read the chapter in the book on lifelong learning. I was amazed at just how much Kraft and I agree on this important subject.
Kraft tells us first that leaders are learners, and that when you stop learning, you stop leading. In the organization I worked at my entire career, we often spoke of lifelong learning, or that “school was never out at State Farm”. There was a significant emphasis on, and support of, continuing education, be it insurance designations, master degrees, IT industry certifications, etc. No matter what area of the organization you were in, you were encouraged to improve yourself and your value to the organization through continuing education.
Kraft mentions that his mother was an avid reader. My parents were avid readers as well. They always had a book nearby that they were reading. I think I got my love of reading from them, though neither my brother or sister are enthusiastic readers.
Kraft indicates that he has a goal of reading two books a month. My goal is two or three books a month. He reads almost no fiction, and focuses primarily on books dealing with leadership and church issues, areas I enjoy, along with professional development, theology, biography and sports.
Kraft writes that in the books he reads, he is on the hunt for leadership ideas and principles that he can apply to his own life and work, and share with other leaders and church leadership teams. I would agree with that, as well as writing book reviews to share with others what I learned by reading each book.
In addition to reading, he also mentions learning by listening to podcasts and attending conferences, two ways of learning that I enjoy as well. I like to listen to podcasts while walking our dog or just on my regular afternoon walk. My wife and I enjoy learning at conferences, and are regular attendees at the Ligonier National Conference, The Gospel Coalition National Conference and the Sing! The Getty Music Worship Conference.
Another area where Kraft and I agree is the importance of leaders being teachable. Kraft tells us that truly teachable leaders will not only allow, but also welcome others speaking into their lives—exhorting them, rebuking them, reproving them.
I can’t stress enough the importance of being a lifelong learner. I’ve been retired eight years as of this writing, and am still excited about learning.
What would you add about being a lifelong learner?
