John Stanko

"The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly" - Proverbs 15:14.

When a leader stops learning, a leader stops growing, and then eventually stops leading. When that happens, leaders begin to rely on their authority power (the I-am-in-charge mentality) or their history (I have done so much for this organization and you owe me) or deception (avoiding tough decisions under the guise of gathering more information or 'waiting on the Lord' when the leader is really into a situation way over his or her head). There is only one way to seek knowledge and that is to study and learn, especially learning from mistakes—your own or those of others. Knowledge without effort and paying the price to obtain it is impossible.

LEADERSHIP STEP: What are you doing to seek knowledge? There are obviously many paths, which include classes, a new degree, a reading program, seminars, a mentor, travel to see another company's operations, and sabbatical time off specifically to gather new knowledge. Which one of these do you have access to or engage in regularly? Today make a plan to walk down one of those paths that will be new for you, like going back to school or taking a sabbatical, and then do it.