3 Steps to Becoming an Experienced Leader

In surgical training there is a saying about the learning process.

"See one. Do one. Teach one."

Don't worry, the training isn't usually that abbreviated. Realistically the saying should be "See several. Do many with someone else there. Do some on your own. Teach what you have learned every chance you can get."

The point is simple. Knowledge is gained and shared through a simple, but active, process. Learning. Doing. And teaching. 

To be a good leader you need to become an expert. These three steps can you help you gain the knowledge and experience to become an expert in your field.

1. See One

Whenever I travel to an unknown place, I get as much as information as I can before going there. I read books. I download apps. I search the internet.

But the one resource I value and trust the most is another person who has already been there. 

One of the best ways to become an expert is to learn from experts. The bests insights can only come from those who have already traveled down that road. They have learned what does and doesn't work. They have learned hard lessons that you don't have to re-learn.

Great resources include:

• Parents
• Good friends
• Mentors
• Experts

Email public figures and ask questions. Read books that will help you. Meet regularly with a mentor. Develop friendships that benefit you. Listen to your parents. Go to a Catalyst event.

The key idea is that others have gone before us. Use their knowledge and experience to broaden your own. 

And then build on what they teach you.

2. Do One

The key to true learning is doing. Knowledge unapplied is merely theoretical.

Whether the art is playing a musical instrument, writing a book, starting a business, or fixing someone's broken leg, the goal of learning concepts is to become someone who does the work.

There are 3 levels to doing.

• Begin - There is always the incredibly difficult first time. Beginning can be the hardest step of all.
• Practice - Repetition is the key to truly learning anything.
• Create - Once your base knowledge and experience grow, it becomes time to create something new with it. 

What keeps you from trying? Fear of failure? Fear of success? Comparing yourself to others?

The dream is not enough. You have to do something about it. You have to turn off the TV, stand up and walk out your front door and face the scary world.

3. Teach One

Unfortunately many of us stop after we do. 

What good, though, is gained knowledge if it isn't passed on to those who come behind us?

After you make progress, gain some experience, and make some mistakes, it becomes your turn to share what you have learned.

The world is a better place when knowledge is shared and ideas spread.

Consider teaching what you know. 

• Become that parent you wish you had.
• Be the same kind of friend to others that helped you learn.
• Offer to mentor the people you see that are headed in the same direction.
• Write a book about your knowledge.

There are two critical aspects of being a good teacher. Be available. Care. If you can do that, you can teach.

Becoming an expert involves all three of these aspects. The more you can see and do and teach, the more experienced you will be.

What has helped you become more experienced? Have you been able to see one, do one. or teach one?