lesson 14: learning it all

how do i learn everything? "everything" is certainly nebulous, but the best place to start is just being open and excited to absorb information from expected, and unexpected sources alike. learning isn't linear. i think about learning like the beach (because the beach makes everything better). waves come in and go out, and each time they come in, there's an exchange of sand. it stays fluid. same thing for learning; your brain has the ability to dump information you don't need anymore, to make room for more relevant information.

it's hard to sit down and say "ok, it's time to learn". it's more organic than that and happens much less formally (for the most part). historically, the expectation is that you learn from your boss, and maybe your boss's boss. but, learning can happen through any relationship, and as ann friedman recently pointed out, peers can sometimes be the best mentors. 

the best thing you can do is be alert and present. you never know when you'll hear a good bit of information that makes you think about something differently. a few things to try:

• if there's something you're interested in that you'd like more exposure to, ask your manager if you can attend meetings and just listen. you could also offer to work on that project.
• communicate. tell your manager that there's a skill you'd like to work on and make some suggestions as to how you could learn it. maybe there's someone internally who can teach you, or maybe it's taking a class at General Assembly. 
• if you don't understand something, ask! i know you're not shy. most managers would much rather you ask a question than make assumptions or not understand what's really going on. there are no stupid questions, at least not to me. 
• try to find a mentor. it could be your boss, or maybe another leader at the company, or maybe someone who just has more experience than you and you have a good relationship with. former managers and people in your network with more experience than you, are also always good resources. 
• more than one mentor is a good thing! just get as much info and nuggets out of those around you who you respect.
• lastly, volunteer to pitch in. if you see a teammate under-water (figuratively i hope) offer to take something off their plate that week. you'll help them, your team, your company, and learn something new! 
• read! i read a ton of articles every day. from WWD to Digiday to AdWeek to social media, and major news outlets, it's important to stay on top of your industry and absorb information from objective outside sources.
• try not to feel insecure or discouraged when you realize you don't know something. look at it as an opportunity to improve. 
• smile and a positive attitude will always allow you to be more receptive! 

photo cred: jackie stauffer @ Hammertown, Rhinebeck