Improving your leadership skills starts with a keen understanding of how you learn best. So if you know your learning style, you can work out strategies that play to your strengths.
Your learning style is your personal path to processing information, honing new skills, and applying them effectively in your role as a leader.
In today’s world, where leadership styles are as diverse as the challenges we face, it’s more important than ever to harness your unique learning preferences.
Let’s get you started on identifying your learning style so you can lead more effectively.
1. Know Learning Style Models
Learning styles have been studied extensively, and several models can help you understand your preferences. Here’s a look at some common ones:
Visual (Spatial) Learners
You might be a visual learner if you find that you learn best when information is presented in a diagram or picture. Visual learners often benefit from mind maps, videos, and charts.
Auditory (Aural) Learners
If listening to a lecture or podcast helps you absorb information, you may be an auditory learner. Such learners benefit from discussions and may find that they remember details better when they’ve heard them spoken aloud.
Verbal (Linguistic) Learners
Do you prefer words, both in speech and writing? Then you might be a verbal learner. You’ll likely find that reading content or engaging in a debate helps you remember and understand new information.
Physical (Kinesthetic) Learners
If you prefer hands-on approaches to learning—doing rather than just reading or listening—you may be a physical learner. This style is common in those who excel in activities that involve touch and movement.
Logical (Mathematical) Learners
Logical learners enjoy using reasoning, systems, and logic. If you relish solving complex problems or enjoy working with numbers, this might be your style.
Social (Interpersonal) Learners
These learners prefer learning in groups or with other people. If you find that you absorb information better through collaboration and interaction, then you might lean towards a social learning style.
Solitary (Intrapersonal) Learners
If you’re someone who prefers to work alone and use self-study, you might be a solitary learner. This style describes individuals who are self-reflective and introspective, often requiring personal space to learn effectively.
Each of these styles has unique strategies that enhance learning. For example, visual learners might use color-coding, while auditory learners might repeat information out loud or use mnemonic devices. Recognizing which of these styles resonates with you can be the first step in refining your leadership skills.
2. Collaborate with a Mentor or Business Coach
Working closely with a mentor or a business coach who understands the different learning styles can be instrumental in determining your own. These professionals have often helped countless individuals identify how they learn best and can offer insights into your tendencies.
How a Mentor Can Help
- Observation: Your mentor can observe how you react to different learning situations and give feedback on which methods seem most effective for you.
- Guided Self-Discovery: A mentor can guide you through a series of tasks and discussions that help you recognize your learning preferences.
- Feedback: Frequent and targeted feedback will help you understand your learning style from an external perspective.
- Resources: Mentors can provide resources tailored to your learning style, ensuring you are interacting with material in the way that suits you best.
The Role of a Coach
- Professional Assessment: A coach might use formal assessments to analyze your learning style accurately.
- Customized Strategies: Once your learning style is identified, a coach can develop personalized strategies to help you learn leadership skills effectively.
- Accountability: Coaches can keep you accountable to learning strategies that match your style, keeping you on track and focused.
3. Complete a Survey or Quiz
Surveys and quizzes can provide a structured way to determine your learning style. Many online resources offer free assessments that categorize your learning preferences according to established learning models.
- VARK Questionnaire: This quiz asks questions related to your preferences in processing information and can provide insights into whether you prefer visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learning modes.
- Learning Style Inventory: Such inventories might assess how your emotions, actions, and thoughts align with different learning styles.
After completing these evaluations, you will likely have a clearer idea about your preferred learning modes, which can then inform your approach to developing leadership skills.
4. Other Strategies to Uncover Your Learning Style
Self-Reflection
Sometimes the simplest way to identify your learning style is through self-assessment. Reflect on occasions when you felt you were learning effectively. What was happening at that time? Were you listening, watching, writing, speaking, or doing?
Trial and Error
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different learning methods and strategies to see which resonate with you. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in how you absorb information best.
Ask for Feedback
Seeking feedback from peers, colleagues, or superiors can also help reveal how you learn. They might notice things about your learning process that are not obvious to you.
Analyze your Current Skill Set
Consider the skills you currently excel at and think about how you developed those skills. This can offer clues about your preferred learning style.
Conclusion
By understanding your learning style and leveraging this knowledge, you can select leadership development activities and programs that align with how you process and retain information.
Whether it’s through observation, engaging in active discussions, or solitary reflection, tailoring your approach to your learning style can amplify your leadership prowess.
It encourages continuous improvement and helps ensure that the time you invest in your development yields the most impactful results. Start exploring today, and take the next step towards becoming a more effective leader tomorrow.
