OVERCOMING OUR OWN HURDLES TO LEARNING

Abstract The author, founder of David Novak Leadership and former chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, writes about what he calls an “active learning discipline.” Active learners, in his words, ask better questions and listen carefully to the answers; make, and check, their own judgments; see the world as it really is; reflect; celebrate others’ ideas; and trust in positive intentions. In point one, he asks, “What one question could you ask today that could make a substantial difference in what you learn and in what you help others discover?” In point two, “What habit could you develop that would expand your perspective and heuristics by interacting with more people and learning about their ideas and experiences?” In point three, “Where in your life are you relying on information that is secondhand, that just confirms your thinking, or that isn’t capturing the whole truth of a situation and how could you get to the truth or the source instead?” In point four, “If you had to add up the minutes, how much time do you think you spend per week in deep reflection or letting your mind wander? How could you boost that number?”