12 Ways Lifelong Learning Supports Community Leadership

 By Gloria Martinez of womenled.org 

You might think that once you nab a high-level role as a community leader, the work of learning is done. But as you create policies, develop solutions, and connect with your neighbors, it’s as vital as ever to continue learning.

Gloria Martinez of womenled.org compiles ideas and just some of the ways in which your personal and professional growth can impact your work and community in positive ways.

You likely learn new things daily but applying focused effort toward increasing your knowledge, whether in academia or elsewhere, helps you grow.

• Developing strategies for skill building can help you learn more effectively.
• Furthering your formal education can open up new opportunities and highlight your strengths.
• Team learning can prove beneficial in groups, where everyone gleans insight and builds skills.
• Teaching others results in the “protégé effect” wherein you learn even more — both sides benefit!

Setting and reaching your goals helps boost your confidence, and personal achievement can help influence your leadership in positive ways.

• Creating (and achieving) goals instills a sense of accomplishment that reflects in your leadership attitude.
• Developing confidence means you’ll be a more effective and decisive leader.
• Celebrating your successes positions you as your own greatest cheerleader.
• Learning how to be more open-minded leaves you receptive to innovation.

The more you learn about your community and peers, the better equipped you’ll be to impact real change.

• Applying observational learning lets you gain insight from others (so keeping an open mind is crucial).
• Listening to and learning from others helps you see problems (and solutions) from a new perspective.
• Adopting a partnership (vs. leadership) perspective can build community relationships.
• Learning to exude respect for your constituents or community means they’re more likely to reciprocate — and join your cause.

For community leaders who genuinely care about impacting change, lifelong learning is the name of the game. Even when you’re in a position of power, it’s crucial to continue learning for, about, and from your community.