Episode: 533

Episode Title: Do You Know It All?

Teachable people are refreshing, responsible—and sadly, somewhat rare. Here’s how you can be one of them, coming up next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 533 show:

This is The Perna Syndicate—welcome! Engineering a winning attitude starts with developing the professional skills and habits that characterize our behavior at work. Yesterday we talked about the ability to adapt. Today, we’re discussing a related skill: that of being teachable. 

Yes, being teachable is a professional skill. In fact, you might say teachability is the foundation for all other skills. If you think you already know everything, how can you ever learn something new? You can’t—and that’s why teachability is so critical.

Teachability simply means you’re able to receive criticism constructively and make changes based on the superior knowledge and direction of others. To be teachable, you have to respect those around you who can add to your journey. There’s an element of humility here: you have to admit to yourself that you still have a lot to learn. You don’t know it all. 

It’s worth noting that teachability is not just for young people launching their careers. In fact, younger workers often have a lot to teach those of us in older generations. Teachable people don’t look down on people, no matter what their age. Even when they’re the ones sharing knowledge, they still welcome the perspectives and expertise of others.  

So what about you? Are you seeking to learn from everyone around you—or are you always right?  

Join me tomorrow on The Perna Syndicate to discuss one of the most obvious but overlooked professional skills: that of punctuality. It’s going to be great…we’ll see you then!