It Really Does Matter
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer
This week, I want to talk about a lesson that’s critical for growth: it matters who you learn from.
If you’ve followed my writing for any length of time, you know I’m passionate about growth and development. In my writing I often share lessons I’ve learned or areas where I’m stretching myself to grow in my leadership. While I’m constantly learning, it’s crucial that I learn from the right sources. In a world overflowing with opportunities and content, the foundation of our learning is just as important as the learning itself.
Recently, one of my mentors asked a simple but powerful question: “Are you growing, or are you just busy?” That’s the difference a good mentor makes; the right mentors don’t just keep us busy with an endless stream of information—they guide us to what truly helps us take the next step forward.
Saint Paul gave this wise reminder: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”
Here are four powerful filters to use as you intake information. Ask yourself these questions to determine if this information will be valuable for successful growth:
- Is the content meaningful and applicable to me?
- Can I trust the person behind it?
- Is it authentic, or is it artificially generated noise?
- Does this person’s track record, accomplishments, and values align with mine?
When our learning aligns with our values, growth becomes congruent with the life we want to live. As you prepare for next year, take time to consider who you’re learning from. Don’t just sign up for content — be intentional about your sources.
Speaking of intentional growth, reserve November 7th on your calendar for our 10th annual Live2Lead, a curated leadership summit that brings together some of the brightest minds for a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s not just another event—it’s an opportunity to grow with purpose.
So remember when it comes to learning and growth, who you learn from really does matter.