Boredom is the silent, chronic ailment of relationships, families, careers and companies.
Attitudes and habits become fixed. Learning slows. Staleness grows.
These were the opening ideas put forth by John Gardner nearly 27 years ago at a gathering of McKinsey consultants in Phoenix, Arizona. His topic for the day was “Personal Renewal.” Gardner, who died in 2002 at the age of 89, was a legendary public intellectual and a celebrated Stanford professor.
McKinsey is famous for its elite consulting ranks filled with bright, ambitious and driven professionals. Gardner was speaking to the best of the best. His speech has been quoted and referenced many times since that November day in 1990.
So what did he say to this esteemed group? Here are the highlights that left such a lasting impression:
- Leaders who wish to make a difference and stay effective must commit themselves to constant learning and new growth.
- Be interested, not just interesting. Always trying to be interesting is exhausting. Being interested is vitalizing.
- It’s what you learn – after (you think) you know it all – that counts.
- The boldest thinkers are insatiable learners.
- Find new firsts. Seek out new sources of inspiration. If you want to stay young and flexible, you have to work to keep trying new things.
- We learn the most when we encounter people who are the least like us.
It’s easy to plateau especially after you’ve arrived at a position of power and responsibility.
But learning more and learning faster stimulates new growth. Staying interested, rather than just interesting, keeps your focus outward rather than inward.
And remember, it’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.
Have a great week.
Sign up for The Sunday Snippet!
Good ideas to help you prosper delivered fresh each Sunday morning.