Whenever we face times of uncertainty and ambiguity life and business can seem more challenging. Yet. we also tend to let go of our resistance to learning and become more open to the advice and support of others.  One of the biggest challenges to innovation and success are when the ego fortifies itself from being in a learning mode.  This can manifest in a number of ways:

• The need to be right
• The need to tell rather than ask
• The false perception that we are masterful in all things and there is nothing left to learn.
• The confusion that because we are successful in one domain – that it guarantees success in other domains in business and life.

Yet, because of today’s environment I am finding executives and business owners far less entrenched in these “enemies of learning.”   This is because they realize it will take more than their own experience and knowledge to maximize their business success in today’s Topsy Tervy business world.  Many of us in the executive and CEO development business have not seen the drop in business experienced in past recessions.  In fact, many have seen an increase in their business because during these times – tried and true principles of success still work.  Yet, another emerging trend is the rise of executive and CEO peer groups. (more…)