One of my favorite quotes comes from legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden:
“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

That sentiment perfectly captures what I believe leadership is all about: a commitment to lifelong learning.

President Lincoln once said, “Example is the most lasting.” As leaders, we must lead by example, especially when it comes to our willingness to grow, change, and improve in areas that matter.

There is no standing still in leadership. If we want to create a culture where learning and progress are expected, that mindset must start at the top. Simply put, growth is not optional.

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that all growth happens within four key areas, which I call KASH:

  • Knowledge
  • Attitude
  • Skills
  • Habits

Today, we are surrounded by numerous resources to help us grow, including online learning platforms, books, podcasts, virtual and in-person conferences, and more. But growth doesn’t happen by accident. We have to be intentional about staying teachable.

The truth is, none of us has all the answers. And that’s okay because growth is always possible. Here’s what I believe:

  • Our growth determines who we are
  • Who we are determines who we attract
  • Who we attract determines the success of our organization

I’ll leave you with one more quote, this time from Gandhi: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”