Chief Executive on the Heels -Learning to Learn.

After several years of a jam-packed calendar, I now find myself almost guilty and nervous when I see only a few meetings scheduled. In my previous season, I began each week by reviewing the upcoming meetings, deciding which needed my attention, which could be delegated, and which large group calls I could graciously decline. It was a constant battle for time as I prioritized critical meetings, especially customer calls that could easily be overshadowed by internally focused busyness.

This new season feels disarming—there are only a few recurring meetings that provide structure, but the open spaces in my calendar still make me uneasy. Especially when everyone around me is still in the mode I left behind. My current deliverable is to watch and learn. After being a ‘doer’ for so long, I am now struggling to simply observe. However, I am also realizing that the time for reflection and questioning that I missed out on over the years could have led to great ideas and results.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory supports this transition, emphasizing that reflective observation and abstract conceptualization are critical stages in the learning cycle. By stepping back and reflecting on my experiences, I can generate new insights and strategies for the future.

If you are familiar with the Four Colors of Insights Discovery, you know the ‘Fiery Reds’ are action-oriented, decisive, often taking charge and thrive on quick results. A season of quiet, listening, considering, and testing a different but tested view is a humbling experience for this red.

I know this oasis of calm is very short-lived. As I learn to enjoy it, it will quickly ebb away. While it lasts I am taking the opportunity to develop adaptive skills, preparing me to better respond to future challenges. I am actively reading policies and processes, having conversations about ‘why,’ and expanding my network—an investment that will pay off when I hit the runway.

I keep asking myself if I could have created some oases of learning in previous seasons. Now that I know the value of this reflective period, I am determined to maintain these practices even when the pace picks up again. Stephen Covey says “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

Are you on the fast lane? How are you creating time to reflect and
Learn?