ALWAYS BE TEACHING, ALWAYS BE LEARNING

Towards the end of last week I had the opportunity to lecture in Paris on brand and branding to Grenoble School of Management masters students as part of their Digital Business Strategy Course.

I frequently say that, no matter how busy you are, exploiting every opportunity to meet new people and learn new things is essential. The challenge is most of the time it is discretionary and all to easy to push to one side. As you move on with your career, to assume that you’ll be in transmit mode, giving knowledge and not receiving it.

This. Could. Not. Be. Further. From. The. Truth.

Spending a couple of days with 30 or so bright, fresh minds easily solved a dozen issues I’ve been mulling over that’s the nature of immersing yourself in talent. So much so that this stanza from the ‘King & I” came to mind;

“It’s a very ancient saying,

But a true and honest thought

That if you become a teacher

By your pupils you’ll be taught.”

Of course the secret is to make these opportunities a dialogue, being receptive to ‘Q&A’ and enjoying the challenge of a fresh perspective.

Accept those invitations, go to those conferences, teach what you know.

Always be teaching. Always be learning.

About The Author

The author is a brand consultant at The Izatt Consultancy and founder of Mission Critical, a highly focused and curated weekly briefing for time poor and information hungry decision makers.