Episode 61

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Published on:

25th Oct 2022

Learning, Unlearning, Relearning = Readiness for Change

Back to exploring the soft skill of being teachable…. 

Learning, Unlearning, Relearning: Part 2

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. “Alvin Toffler

Why is unlearning is more difficult than learning?

First, learning is not implemented through a google search or a new app.  Unlearning comes through self-awareness and networking with others to gain new insights and knowledge. Unlearning includes the “people factor”

The second reason unlearning is so difficult is that fear rises within when faced with the unknown. When you engage in unlearning you move outside of your comfort zone. 

“If we are growing, we will always be out of our comfort zone” John Maxwell

Third, with unlearning. you are moving away from the security of knowledge that has been helpful to you in the past. 

Fourth, there may be a reluctance to say goodbye to short cuts that have been helpful in the past.

Finally, it may be difficult to even want to unlearn, when you think you are functioning adequately on a daily basis and are getting by. 

Researcher, Dr Chris Robitscheck, has demonstrated that one of the key elements of personal growth is being ready to change. This cycle of learning, unlearning and relearning moves you into a ready stance for change!

THE LEARNING PROCESS REQUIRES SELF AWARENESS:

THE UNLEARNING PROCESS REQUIRES A PASSION FOR SIMPLICITY: Keep it simple: 

1. Pick one thing.

2. Ask yourself, “Am I willing to let it go of this thing?” 

3. Ask yourself (and others) “What is the opposite of the one thing I’ve picked?”.

Confirming the opposite of the thing moves you towards your readiness to relearn.

THE RELEARNING PROCESS REQUIRES FOCUSED EXPLORATION:  Focus on asking 2 key questions:

1. What do I want to change?

2. What do I value that will sustain the change.

We do need to know ourselves but even the most self-aware leader knows that we need others as well.

Collaboration is where the future always is.  Carlos Dominguez.

Resources:

Reach out to me @ https://www.healthyleadership.online/contact  I can help you in your own growth as a leader.

Robitschek C, Ashton MW, Spering CC, Geiger N, Byers D, Schotts GC, Thoen MA. Development and psychometric evaluation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II. J Couns Psychol. 2012 Apr;59(2):274-87. doi:10.1037/a0027310. Epub 2012 Feb 20. PMID: 22352950.

Seth's Blog: The Speed Of Change 9.2022 @ https://seths.blog/2022/09/the-speed-of-change/

Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association @ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116346/

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About the Podcast

The Art of Leadership
The Art of Leadership focuses on soft skills... some of the hardest skills a leader will ever learn.
The Art of Leadership with Dr. Niña Ellison focuses on the soft skills of leadership, their value and the power of their influence. As a leader, if you are interested in moving from success to significance then balancing both hard and soft skills is essential!

Hard skills are demonstrated through technical expertise that results in clearly measured goals being reached. They are vital to the success of any initiative or program. On the other hand, soft skills emphasize the transformation of people. They highlight behavioral changes and making a difference in people’s lives.

This podcast is for leaders who are seeking a fresh perspective into some of the hardest soft skills a leader will ever learn. You can connect with Niña at https://www.ninaellison.com

About your host

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Niña Ellison

In 2019, after years of leading teams varying from international disaster relief and healthcare to the US Corporate world, Niña founded Healthy Leadership to focus on her passion for partnering with leaders in their growth and sustainability. Her own journey into soft skill development has convinced her that while her technical skills helped her get her foot in the door, her soft skills moved the influence of her leadership from success to significance.

As a soft skill specialist Niña takes monthly deep dives in her podcast series, The Art of Leadership, to explore the underlying dimensions of soft skills. She knows that soft skill development is not so much about WHAT but HOW a leader leads.
• From a 10,000 foot view a leader pursuing soft skills asks, “How do I problem solve; How do I manage time and energy?”
• From a 1,000-foot view that same leader, as they dig deeper into soft skills, begins asking questions like, “How do I listen; or How do gain self-control?”
• From Ground Zero the leader recognizes that there are underlying dimensions of soft skills as they ask, “How do I model respect for all; How do I sustain hope; How do I demonstrate appropriate love in the workplace; How do I maintain the right attitude?” How do I lead by serving?

Nina believes that behind every wildly effective and sustainable system and process are leaders and teams who have interwoven soft skills into every phase of their work.