Continuous and Disciplined Learning
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Word Count: About 500, approximate reading time 2 to 3 minutes. Please share your thoughts in the comments. Please be kind and subscribe to my newsletter.
In a recent article in Psychology Today, Professor Art Markman of The University of Texas at Austin writes about effective testing. Research shows that making tests harder improves learning and retention.
Once we leave school, testing occurs for dedicated training and certifications. Testing supplements disciplined learning. Peak, Secrets from the New Science of Expertise describes four vital elements of purposeful practice. It must be measurable with specific and defined goals. You must practice with complete focus and undivided attention. Find a coach to give you direct and honest feedback. Lastly, the practice must make you uncomfortable; if you never push yourself, you will not progress.
As our careers progress, we must recognize the need to learn new skills and develop our own learning plans. What it means to be competent changes over time. We need to be self-aware and adapt.
Davos Was Different This Year
The annual World Economic Forum in Davos wrapped up in May. During and following the conference, WEF has published multiple articles and podcasts. The last two years’ events changed the tone of the 2022 meetings.
I have always agreed with the premise that strong economic ties with political adversaries reduces the chance of armed conflict that could devolve into a global conflict and potentially World War Three. While I still believe that premise, events in Ukraine have shown that psychopathic leaders will act without counting the cost. Even though the invasion’s economic cost is staggering to Russia, Vladimir Putin persists.
The COVID pandemic exposed the fragility of the global supply chain. Building global economic ties created opportunities resulting in an overreliance on the lowest-cost option. When various countries had to shut down because of the pandemic, entire markets almost came to a halt. For example, because automakers could not get chips, hundreds of thousands of cars and trucks sat in lots.
There is a place policy to encourage global business relationships. Improving the economies of impoverished nations reduces the risk of conflict and criminal activity. Desperately poor people will take desperate action. Those actions create risk for all.
What I’m Up To
This week we are visiting my father-in-law in Pennsylvania. He lives in a memory care facility with Alzheimer’s. If you know someone whose family is dealing with this, be as supportive as you can. The toll it takes is immense. If you think someone in your family is struggling, take time to learn the symptoms. Early intervention is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make, but it is better for everyone.
Quote of the Week
“The more one learns the more he understands his ignorance. I am simply an ignorant man, trying to lessen his ignorance.”
– Louis L’Amour
The Leader With A Thousand Faces is available on Amazon.
My goal is to make this newsletter as interesting and valuable as possible. Please share your thoughts and suggestions for improvement. If there are specific topics in leadership you would like me to focus on in future issues, please send them my way.
This newsletter also appears on LinkedIn and Medium. Medium is a great source for interesting articles on almost any subject. I encourage you to check it out.
