This brings us back to the first thing to do: seek our diverse perspectives.
By interacting in a different industry, you see how leaders get things done in an other way. Don’t dismiss the power of getting out of your comfort zone, trying out a new business, and applying the lessons learned to your organization.
3. Learn a new language:
If you’re in the United States, English is the primary language spoken. However, there are plenty of other languages that could be spoken.
I think of the small city I grew up in. We had Spanish, Hmong Daw, Italian, and more speakers.
Imagine being able to understand their language. Imagine how thinking in a different language can impact the way you see the world!
When you begin to learn a new language, new neural pathways open. You begin to understand and see the world in a new way.
Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Learn a new language.
4. Read a fiction book:
Most of us love an outstanding nonfiction, business-related book. We’ve been taught that we grow by reading more books about our industries or something uplifting.
I want to challenge that idea. I want to ask you to pick up fiction books and add them to your learning library.
Fiction books are a great way to learn more about the world around us. They open our eyes, much like movies, to how the world is.
They also help us to improve our empathy toward one another. Because of the intense emotions, compelling storylines, and ideas presented, we grow our empathy toward those who are different.
Don’t Stop Growing
There’s a Journey song that says Don’t stop believing. I want to twist their lyrics and say Don’t stop growing. Leaders who stagnate don’t stay leaders for long. You have to be willing to get creative, stretch yourself and grow.
I know you’re already interested in growing and learning because you’re reading this article. But I want you to stretch yourself even further. Challenge yourself to grow in unique ways. Use the methods I mentioned above or come up with some of your own. Whatever you do, don’t stop growing.
This article on how to get creative originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
