The Essential Role of Competency in Nourishing Resilient, Adaptive Organizations

The most important thing we can learn is how to learn.

If you are still leading the same way you did twenty years ago—or, let’s face it, in today’s fast-changing world, even five years ago—I probably don’t trust you. The nature of change means that mastery of anything is never complete.

People trust competence. Leaders who stay fresh, relevant, and capable are always engaged in learning new ways of doing things and staying current on ideas and trends. Deep knowledge requires humility, curiosity, and perseverance. 

It is a lifelong journey.

And learning is a journey we all want to be on. It’s what is behind the desire to find meaning in your work. People love to increase their competency. The pursuit of mastery is sparked by the very curiosity that makes us human.

Learning People Lead Learning Organizations

There is a connection between leaders engaged in lifelong learning and learning organizations. That connection, when nurtured, creates an inertia for trust-building: 75% of employees say they would trust their employers more if they were provided with more training opportunities. 

Our teams need us to pave the way for them to develop and grow. They want their curiosity stimulated and their engagement fed so they can feel and do their best.

Learning organizations equip their people to grow their competency.

And the impact makes for an adaptive, resilient organization. Two-thirds of all employees want to learn more about people skills than technical skills. People are hungry to grow not just in their current roles, but in their future ones. 

When we equip our people effectively, we get a whole lot of wins as leaders: higher engagement, lower attrition, and more consistency throughout the organization. 

How do we build learning organizations, where competency is increasing in our people every single day? We begin within.

Quality In, Quality Out

No formal study program or advanced degree can singularly facilitate the knowledge needed for a lifetime. Continuous learning is ongoing, the only way to be the best version of oneself. 

Most know this to be true, yet many don’t know how to prioritize continued learning—or where to start. 

As with our bodies, so with our minds: input always affects output. Quality nourishment—for body and mind—leads to better health, growth, and learning. Look to people you admire and investigate how they endeavor to stay fresh, relevant, and capable.

Last month we talked about Character and the month before that, Consistency. This sequence is no mistake: doing what is right, even when it is hard, and building habits around those priorities, are the path to greater Competency— and quality output. Below are some suggestions for investing in quality input.

• Read intentionally. Seek nourishing material over fluff or negativity.
• Take classes. Look into company resources and training. 
• Seek feedback. Get free advice. 
• Invest in coaching. Take a deep dive into self-awareness and accelerate growth.
• Join an association. Choose one that aligns with your passions—not just your profession.
• Find a mentor. You’re never too old for fresh perspectives or networking support.

Maybe you aren’t sure exactly what you want to invest in developing. If that’s the case, consider this: What are the most important competencies for today’s leaders? 

Competencies of Resilience

When leaders around the world were asked what they felt the most important leadership competencies were, some important themes emerged. 

These most important leadership competencies aren’t surprising, but none are easy to master. 

At the top of the list? “Demonstrating strong ethics and providing a sense of safety.” This is followed closely by “fostering a sense of connection or belonging” and “empowering others to self-organize.” 

The skills needed to possess these competencies aren’t acquired simply or quickly. They are the result of a quest for lifelong learning and evolutionary growth. They are a combination of Character and Consistency: conscious decisions about who you will become and the inertia behind making it so.

As you continue your quest, here’s a gentle reminder: competency isn’t perfection. In the real world, momentum stops and starts. But even a dead end brings us learning. Almost any great leader will tell you that their biggest mistakes led to their greatest insights. We don’t grow without stumbling from time to time, and we certainly don’t grow in a vacuum. 

We need others—and accountability to them—for us to remain humble lifelong learners and to build learning organizations.

Leaders who demonstrate a strong moral compass through transparency and authenticity create trust with employees and customers. Our Trust Edge Certification Program gives you access to the tools, training, and a thriving community to help you cultivate your character. If you’re ready to bridge the trust gap, schedule a 15-minute discovery call now and become a member of our Trust Edge Certified Partner Directory.