We've all heard the cautionary saying: "Curiousity killed the cat." It's a warning against excessive nosiness, but in the ever-so-evolving landscape of business and tech operations, I'd debate a more detrimental trait exists: unteachability. While curiousity fuels innovation and problem-solving, a refusal to learn, adapt, and considering fresh perspectives can be a wrap for businesses and individual careers. Look at it this way: how many setbacks, operational inefficiencies or failures, can be traced back to one person? This could be a leader, team member, or even an entire organization - unwilling to learn, accept a different approach and decline any opportunity to grow.
Let's explore why teachability is crucial, yet so overlooked...
Why DOES Teachability Matter?
The business world is in constant flux - you can always depend on change. Markets shift, consumer behaviors evolve, new tech disrupts industries and unforeseen global events reshape the landscape. (Cough, cough 2020) Given this, clinging to dated practices, comfort zones, or that famous "we've always done it this way" attitude is the perfect recipe for stagnation, and can lead to decline. Here's why teachability is paramount:
- Success with Innovation: Long-term business success hinges on innovation. Staying relevant requires actively learning about new technologies, methods, and business models.
- Problem Solving: Every business faces challenges. Teachable teams and leaders consider different perspectives, learn from past errors, and explore solutions effectively. Stubbornness hinders real progress.
- Positive Culture: Fostering an inclusive and productive environment is key. Teachable individuals listen to feedback, understand different viewpoints, and collaborate well, setting a positive tone for all teams.
- Operational Efficiency: Continuous improvement is vital in operations. A teachable mindset helps identify issues, learn from data, and implement processes for cost savings and improved productivity.
- Resilience Through Adaptability: Businesses need to be agile to navigate uncertainty like global crises and regulatory shifts. Teachability allows organizations to learn quickly and adapt effectively.
The Cost of Unteachability: A Real-World Lesson.
I recently had a fascinating conversation with an investor – a seasoned professional with numerous successful exits under their belt. He had been seriously considering backing a particular startup that, on paper, appeared to be a grand slam. The idea was strong and the market position was promising. However, this investor ultimately decided to pass on the opportunity, and I was almost convinced he was delusional for this move. Until I inquired further... then it made perfect sense.
He simply explained that while the potential was undeniable, his interactions with the co-founders raised a significant red flag: a distinct lack of teachability. Despite this investor offering reasonable advice based on their extensive experience – insights into scaling, market positioning, and team building – the co-founders consistently dismissed alternative perspectives and seemed unwilling to learn or adapt their initial vision. We're talking very MINOR tweaks.
This wasn't about a difference in opinion on small details; it was a fundamental resistance to considering new concepts for improvement purposes. They were married to the ideas that kept them small, and that's an issue when growth is a goal. This anecdote serves as a stark reminder: possessing the wrong attitude, a closed mind unwilling to learn, can be incredibly costly, even when all other signs point towards success.
Conclusion.
Ignoring teachability can result in stagnation, missed opportunities, inefficiencies, decreased engagement, damaged reputation, and ultimately, business failure. (Don't be THAT person!) Therefore, embracing a culture of learning and adaptability is not just an advantage but a fundamental requirement for navigating the complexities of the modern business world.
Want to Cultivate Teachability in Your Culture? Start here with these strategies today!
- Self-Reflection: Honestly assess/identify areas for improvement.
- Active Listening: Listen to understand, not for response only.
- Constructive Feedback: Seek and/or provide helpful feedback with teammates in an honest, yet kind manner.
- Learn from Failure: Mistakes are growth opportunities.
- Invest in Training and Learning: Prioritize your and your team's development.
- Facilitate Mentorship Programs: Encourage learning, morale, and camaraderie.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth.
- Seek Insights: Utilize reporting and data for learning.
Stay teachable, friends!
-Brig