Leaders Are Learners: Why Growth Matters

One thing we say in our leadership training courses offered at Cascade is, “Leaders are Learners.”

What does this mean in the workplace? In the fast-changing world that we operate in, the best leaders never stop learning. Whether you're managing a small team or guiding an entire organization, your growth sets the pace for others. The phrase “Leaders are Learners” isn’t just catchy—it’s a principle that separates thriving leaders from stagnant ones.

Risks of Staying Stagnant

What I have observed over decades in the HR field, is that leaders who don’t adapt and grow risk falling behind.

When leaders stop learning, they risk losing credibility especially with knowledge-hungry teams.  Stagnation in our individual growth can also sap motivation and creativity with our direct reports. Remember that employees look to their leaders for guidance, mentorship, and insight. When a leader’s skills or knowledge feel outdated, team members may begin to question their credibility and relevance.

It is key to share what you’re learning with your team—it creates awareness and momentum for professional growth. One of the hallmarks of great leadership is the ability to develop others. Sharing your learning isn’t just generous—it’s strategic.  

“I Don’t Have Time to Learn” 

Time is a real constraint for many of us. Actually, this is my go-to excuse. However, I have discovered that it’s more about priorities than number of hours available. What has made a big difference for me is listening to podcasts, TED Talks, and books on platforms like Audible.  I will make time to listen before I carve out time from my work week to sit down with a book or article. I also seem to absorb more information as a listener vs. as a reader.  That’s not to say that I don’t buy the book as well. I like to reference the information at my own pace.

The takeaway here is that it is important to set aside time to learn. What separates good leaders from great ones isn’t just skill—it’s mindset. Great leaders understand that learning isn’t a checkbox. They know:

• That they don’t have all the answers.
• That they grow as their teams grow.
• That every challenge is an opportunity to learn.

Leaders also understand that being “too busy” to learn is a myth. In fact, investing time in development often pays off with greater team efficiency and more creative, strategic thinking.

Alternatives

Learning doesn’t always mean formal training and added cost. Below are some ideas on how to grow your knowledge both professionally and personally outside of the classroom.

• Seek Practical Experience. Look for opportunities to lead projects, address issues, or improve processes, even without a formal leadership title.
• Ask for Feedback. Regularly ask for feedback from peers, your supervisor, and team members to understand your impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Network. Connect with other leaders, both inside and outside your organization, to exchange ideas, gain insights, and find support. Conversations with other leaders can challenge assumptions and offer fresh ideas.
• Mentor and Be Mentored.  Teaching others sharpens your own thinking. Likewise, seeking mentorship opens new perspectives.

A Good Book

Who doesn’t love a good book? When we think of learning, it’s natural to gravitate toward reading.  According to the LinkedIn article, “Why Leaders Should be Readers,” by Lauren Griffin, reading can expand vocabulary, improve comprehension, and enhance the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively. Whether it is in print or online, consider revisiting a favorite this summer.

Some well-known leadership books and authors to consider:

• “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek – Builds the case for empathetic, servant leadership.
• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear – Offers a clear blueprint for consistent self-improvement.
• “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni – A must-read for building healthy, high-performing teams.
• “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown – Brings vulnerability and courage into the leadership conversation.
• “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – Breaks down complex concepts into seven core habits, making them easier to understand and implement.

What are your favorite books? Please drop the title/author in the comment section.

If you're serious about leading others, you must start with yourself. Learning isn’t a nice-to-have approach—it’s a must. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to do it. It can be integrated into everyday moments: a reflective conversation, a podcast on the commute, or a new technique tried in a meeting. Small, consistent actions can lead to impactful results for you and your team. Your learning journey is your leadership journey.

Reference:

Why Leaders Should be Readers

Lauren Griffin 

Bullhorn Sales Leader | Customer Engagement | Global Power 150

February 6, 2018