Insist on Learning

Isn't it frustrating when team members repeat the same mistakes despite your feedback?

The missing leadership move is often what I call "insisting on learning" - being absolutely firm that team members extract meaningful lessons from every performance situation.

What I like the most is that this works for good AND bad!

👍 When Something Goes Well:

Instead of just "Great job!" ask:

- "What specifically made this successful?"

- "How will you repeat this in the future?"

👎 When Something Doesn't Go Well:

Rather than fixing it yourself, try:

- "What's your key takeaway here?"

- "How will you approach this differently next time?"

The key here is that you're not telling them what to learn (even though it may seem obvious), but that you're insisting that learning happens. As a Leader with coaching skills, you want to be known for insisting on learning ALL.THE.TIME.

🧠 The Mindset Matters

This whole thing works only when it comes from and intention of genuine support, not blame. You're pushing for growth, not looking for criticism opportunities.

A leader I coached stopped pointing out mistakes and started asking, "What process could you develop to prevent this?" Within weeks, his team member created solutions better than what the leader would have suggested.

Why not try this:

1️⃣ Pick one performance situation (good or bad)

2️⃣ Schedule a quick 5-minute chat

3️⃣ Ask specifically what they learned from it

4️⃣ If vague ("I'll try harder"), push gently for specificity

5️⃣ End by confirming how they'll apply this learning when the next opportunity comes.

What situation could benefit from you insisting on learning today?

Wish you lots of good learning moments with the people around you!