Daily writing prompt

What skills or lessons have you learned recently?

View all responses

I do not plan to start dying by abandoning my insatiable thirst for learning. After all, learning keeps us alive, curious, and adaptable. I often tell people that negative feedback is a gift—it offers insight into the motives of others. When requested thoughtfully, it can reveal a myriad of perspectives, shedding light on how you are perceived. Personally, I don’t need to know every opinion people have of me at work; I only care to understand whether any of those perceptions might hinder my efforts to cultivate a happy and productive work life. In my personal life, however, I care deeply. How my partners, friends, and loved ones feel supported matters immensely to me because relationships are built on care and trust.

Recently, I’ve learned an important lesson: my desire for efficiency often competes with my willingness to let others enjoy the natural flow of collaboration. As someone who works on strategy, I tend to see the endgame clearly and quickly. When the best path forward is already in sight, open discussion can sometimes feel unnecessary to me. However, that’s where the learning comes in. Even when I can see the destination, I’ve realized that ensuring the project team feels aligned and engaged through dialogue is vital. It’s not just about reaching the conclusion—it’s about fostering morale, inclusion, and ownership. For those who need that collaborative process to feel they’ve contributed meaningfully, the journey matters as much as the outcome.

In the end, the lesson is clear: efficiency is important, but so is the human element of teamwork. Continuous learning means recognizing these moments and balancing both sides for the best results.