“The Real Value of Continuous Learning!”
This is a quote from Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds: “When you’re green you’re growing; when you’re ripe you rot!
Ray’s message is that the volume of available knowledge is constantly expanding. Thus, in order to stay up-to-date, we must regularly update what we know, and how we use what we know. As a writer we used to measure our work based on the number of words, pages, chapters, or volumes. Now information is measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes.
The point is that there is an ever-growing amount of information available for us to use for our benefit. Our success is affected positively or negatively by how well we learn and use the information available to us. This is true in all occupations.
For instance, most governments still rely on paper for legislation. They still measure by the page. Their computer systems are outdated. And, the functions of government adapt very slowly (if at all) to updates in communication technology. They are regularly compromised by foreign governments and cyber-criminals who use and/or sell what they steal to enrich themselves, or to compromise our systems and our defenses.
In the last 20 years, how has new information, systems, and products changed the way you do business? Amazon has adapted by providing fast, trackable deliveries, with an ever expanding number of products, and free delivery via subscription. Companies that move and deliver freight can track rail, water, and air transportation to know when, where, and by whom pick-ups and deliveries are handled. Telephones have adapted from hard lines, to smart phones allowing email, instant messaging, high quality pictures and videos, and thousands of apps providing information in real time.
Restaurants, groceries, and pharmacies have drive-thru windows, online ordering, delivery, and so much more. Many restaurants allow you to order and pay directly from your table. And automobile companies can help you buy and finance vehicles 100% online. Soon, we will have driverless cars. You can deposit checks to your bank account using your phone. Plus, send/receive money instantly from almost anywhere.
Updated processes, services, and product options will continue to expand rapidly. This requires us to constantly expand our awareness of changes, options, dangers, and opportunities. Success is no longer guaranteed by just providing today’s excellent products and services. By continuously monitoring changing consumer expectations, plus available new products and processes, you can make the required changes to adapt and grow your organization.
Final thought: You can’t use what you know. You can only use what you practice. The act of practicing is just as important as knowing and adapting to changes. Ensure that you and your people practice handling problems, answering objections, and gathering information. Practicing is continuous learning by doing it now, in order to be prepared for future problems and opportunities. Plus, practicing increases both individual and team performance and discipline.
“The Real Value of Continuous Learning!”
That is today’s Morning Minute.
