"Student Section" Approach to Learning - Ready to Join❓

By: Peter Poul-Graf, Strategic Thought Partner, Key&Spark

Earlier today, I listened to one of my favorite podcasts, "Smartless. " Check it out if you enjoy listening to three friends having a good time. 
One of the hosts, Will Arnett, spoke about how he wanted to always stay in the student section of life, even more so since he had children for whom he wanted to be a role model. 

The "student section" expression typically refers to the section of a stadium or arena at a college or high school sports contest, where students sit together and cheer on their team. 📣

Like Will, I believe the one mindset is critical in this ever-evolving life landscape — the unwavering commitment to being in the "Student Section." 

Life is a journey of discovery, and the more you embrace the role of a perpetual student, the more likely you'll thrive. You need to lead with curiosity in your life regardless of age, profession, or circumstance.

Every day allows us to absorb, adapt, and apply new information - there is no finish line. Whether exploring a new skill, diving into a new industry, or understanding diverse perspectives, the "student section" mentality propels you forward and supports you in adapting with ease.

One condition of this mindset is acknowledging that everyone you interact with has something to teach you: your colleagues, mentors, friends, and the person sitting next to you on the bench. Every experience, challenge, and external circumstance carries new knowledge if you are open to finding it.

When you look at the world around us today, there are so many areas where we are closed off from listening, learning, exchanging ideas, and growing together. I'm sure you've also experienced the polarization of thoughts and how potent it is in taking a conversation downhill quickly: when having a beer, at your workplace, or even in your family.

It doesn't mean that if you are in the "student section," you must agree with what you hear - you are only obliged to listen and find out what you can learn.

Our willingness to be in the "student section" signifies strength. It takes courage to admit that you don't know everything and that there's always room for improvement or the possibility of another perspective. 

The "student section" mindset 🧐 equips you with the resilience to navigate the uncertainty of these times. As you progress through your career, avoid falling into the trap of thinking you are knowledgeable and your opinion is correct. Learning with humility and absorbing insights from various disciplines and industries will make you stand out. 

Encourage curiosity, celebrate mistakes as stepping stones, and cultivate an environment where everyone is proud to be a perpetual student. 

Life is a game where the "student section" will bring us much-needed innovation and collective wisdom so that we can jointly cheer on and have reasons to celebrate our team - humanity.

Are you ready to come to the student section❓