"...but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process of learning." Thats how the CliftonStrengths theme of Learner is defined. But where are a Learners limits? Are there things they refuse to learn? Or things they wish they could unlearn? I recently sat down with John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE and one of Forbes 250 Greatest Self-Made Americans, to understand where his Learner has limits. "Is there anything you have learned that you would pay to unlearn?" He thought about it. "Most fears are worthless. I learned fear. Its a learned skill." "Is there anything you have refused to learn?" "Yes. Hate." He told me hate is the first cousin of evil, and that it dies with you. A Learner's talent is the journey from ignorance to competence. John's wisdom is knowing the one journey never to take. Listen to my full conversation with John here: https://lnkd.in/eafVanrg
Honored to be with you and our Gallup family — and thanks for your strong and important leadership Jon Clifton.
With Learner as my #1 CliftonStrengths theme, this really resonates with me! I've always believed that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about expanding our awareness of what's possible. I feel that one of the most powerful things we can learn is what deserves to be unlearned, and what we consciously choose never to learn.
A powerful reflection on the true meaning of learning. We often think of learning as acquiring knowledge, skills, and competence. But perhaps one of the highest forms of learning is also knowing what should never be learned — and what, once learned, should be consciously unlearned. Fear can be examined, challenged, and overcome. Hate, however, is a path that should never become part of who we are. True wisdom is not only knowing how to learn, but also having the judgment to choose what is worth carrying forward. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful conversation.