When you've spent your entire career at the same firm, facing new challenges can be both exciting and daunting. At AMEND, each stage of our growth has brought moments where imposter syndrome fades, replaced by renewed confidence and hopefulness. This shift often happens when I reflect on past successes and enter "learning mode."
Businesses frequently discuss the feelings that come from growth milestones, peaks, and plateaus. The best way to navigate these plateaus without anxiety or rash decisions is by remembering learning mode. But what is learning mode? And how does it improve your leadership in times of both rapid and slow-moving growth?
What is Learning Mode?
Learning mode is about leveraging various sources of knowledge and growth experiences through others.
Mentors, coaches, peer groups, and family members have all been invaluable sources throughout my career when asked for help. Leaders, by nature, enjoy helping others because they see their role as creating more leaders.
Whether paid Board positions, one-on-one relationships, or structured peer groups and conferences like EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization), I've found that those in a "giving back" mindset are incredibly willing and motivated to share their knowledge, as long as you're ready to listen and apply it.
This doesn’t mean acting on everything that folks share. The learned skill is actually collecting lots of data from others and discerning what’s best for you to act on–and why. Authentic interactions with people in a “giving back” mindset always seem to have gold in them to be applied even if the context is new or entirely different on the surface.
I’ve found that practicing being on the other side is the key to learning this skill. When you have an authentic experience to give, provide it first without expecting something in return. Giving leaders show up in different ways, independent of the title, role, and individual contribution.
Interestingly, I've found that during times of strong results and rapid growth, I wasn't always in the best place to listen. Instead of preparing for future challenges, I often focused on showcasing progress and effort made on the current focus of closing some gap.
It often takes a concerted effort, but learning mode in times of success is just as important and impactful as when feeling stuck or stagnant.
Learning Mode in a Collaborative Culture
Our business partners at AMEND, committed to sustainable, organic growth, remind each other to always practice learning mode when facing challenges and success alike. We're now more collaborative, patient, and kind with one another. We see the importance of conversations before, during, and after big projects because we recognize that we can always function in learning mode–if we choose it. I consider myself lucky that our founding partners set the tone of learning mode from my first day. They had already employed coaches and advisors who also supported much larger companies.
Looking back, I see it’s been a pillar of my personal growth and AMEND’s year-over-year growth for 13 years.
Learning mode helps you balance pace and perspective. It requires humility, gratitude, and faith that things will work out for the better. Our team still values strong results and celebrates every win. We're highly competitive and eager to please our clients. But with nearly 20 years of experience, credibility, and wisdom, we can now share knowledge that applies to both client’s work and life.
Transforming business is great. Improving lives while doing that is even better.
Humility and gratitude are essential, allowing us to remain open to new ideas and approaches while fostering a supportive environment that encourages continuous improvement and personal growth.
The Long-Term Impact of Learning Mode
I’m proud of the foundation we’ve built here at AMEND that not only supports our own growth but also allows us to share valuable insights with our clients. By maintaining this mindset, we’ll be prepared to face new challenges, leaning on the collective wisdom and experiences of our team and broader communities to thrive in business and life.
Whether you’re currently winning or are desperate for a win, don’t forget learning mode. It's a key ingredient to long-term success and personal growth.
Reach out to our team at AMEND to discover how we can help you navigate your business challenges with confidence and collaboration. Let's grow and succeed together.
