Learning Leadership

In the book, Learning as a Way of Leading, Preskill and Brookfield presented a new conceptualization of leadership- one in which leadership creates a learner-centred focus within the organization.

Unlike traditional notions of leadership, learning leadership emphasizes collaboration and collective improvement. Leadership is not a function of authority or hierarchy. It can be practiced by anyone. Learning is essential for leaders, and the learning of others is seen a central responsibility of leadership.

A decade on, the book and its examples are now a bit dated, but the essence of their message is ageless. Learning leadership as a concept is highly compatible with the ways of many modern, agile organizations. Constant improvement doesn’t solely mean that processes are refined; true improvement is predicated upon the notion that we are all constantly learning, improving, and collaborating as well.

According to the authors, the nine learning tasks of leadership are:

• learning how to be open to the contributions of others

• learning how to reflect critically on one’s own practice

• learning how to support the growth of others

• learning how to develop collective leadership

• learning how to analyze experience

• learning how to how to question oneself and others

• learning democracy

• learning to sustain hope in the face of struggle

• learning to create community

Learning as a Way of Leading by Preskill and Brookfield is one of my recommended reads for leaders and workers at all levels.