Learning to Learn & Mentoring Notes

Learning

  • The ability to learn faster is a competitive advantage.
  • Four key attributes for learning faster and better:
    • Aspiration
    • Self-awareness
    • Curiosity
    • Vulnerability

4 Attributes for Learning Faster and Better

  1. Aspiration:

    • Raise your aspiration level.

  2. Self-awareness:

    • Evaluate yourself accurately.
    • Challenge your assumptions.

  3. Curiosity:

    • Ask 'How' and 'Why'.
    • Actively seek out the answers.

  4. Vulnerability:

    • Allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to accept the beginner step.

Self-Talk

  • Unsupportive Self-Talk Examples:
    • "I don't need to learn this."
    • "I'm already fine at this."
    • "This is boring."
    • "I'm terrible at this."
  • Supportive Self-Talk Alternatives:
    • Instead of "I don't need to learn this," ask: "What would my future look like if I did?"
    • Instead of "I'm already fine at this," ask: "Am I really? How do I compare with my peers?"
    • Instead of "This is boring," ask: "I wonder why others find it interesting."
    • Instead of "I'm terrible at this," think: "I'm making beginner mistakes, but I'll get better."

Mentors

  • Your career needs many mentors, not just one.
  • Create a mentor board of directors:
    • Reduces the pressure to find the one ideal mentor.
    • Allows you to diversify and learn from a variety of people.
    • Mentors can be of any age, including younger.

Key Questions to Keep in Mind

  1. What specifically do you want to learn?

    • Requires self-assessment: Where are you heading, and what skills do you need to develop?

  2. Whom do you respect most?

    • Think broadly and write a list of potential mentors.

  3. How can you arrange to spend more time with them?

    • Think through how and when you will create time to connect.

  4. How can you make the relationship reciprocal?

    • Think about the skills or qualities you bring and may be able to offer them.