The mediums we can learn from today are more prevalent and powerful than at any time in human history. But not all mediums are created equal, and some of our newer learning media are diluting one of the most powerful ways we can learn – from true experts.
Our content options today are astounding, but many are commoditizing the wisdom and value of true expertise. Learning from an expert is borrowing judgment someone else spent years building.
When anyone can make a YouTube video, how do we know who the true experts are? We need trusted ways to curate the best sources to learn from.
When AI models predict answers across the whole internet, the wisest sources may not be the ones to answer your questions. AI alone can’t solve all our learning needs.
Wise experts are more important to your learning and growth than they've ever been.
Six Reasons Learning from Experts Works
Here are six reasons why learning from experts is so powerful.
- You save time. An expert has already spent years (or a lifetime) learning what works and what doesn’t, in many situations. Learning from them provides you with lessons without going through all the failures yourself.
- You learn what’s most important. Experts know the few signals that matter, like the question to ask or the pattern to spot. That kind of judgment is hard to get from a book alone.
- You get context, not just information. Information is everywhere. Experts tell you when a principle applies, when it doesn't, and what trade-offs come with it. That wisdom aids your ability to apply what you are learning.
- You raise your standard. Seeing excellent work up close resets your idea of what “good” looks like. It provides you with a new perspective and helps you see what is possible.
- You borrow their mental models. Experts organize knowledge into frameworks that make new information easier to take in. Learning their frameworks gives you a structure to hang your own experience on.
- You build confidence. Advice from someone who has done it gives you more conviction to start.
How to Learn from Experts
Since learning from experts is so valuable, how can we do it? Here are the four most common ways:
Read their work.
Want to learn something? Find an expert who wrote a book and read it. This is the most time-tested way to learn from the insights of an expert. (Here are five that have helped me on my leadership journey.)
Listen to them on podcasts.
Many experts are interviewed (often in relationship to the ideas in their books). These often offer the latest thinking, and a more personal approach to their established expertise.
Watch their videos.
Yes, more and more podcasts are available in video form, but many experts offer additional ideas through video, whether polished like a TEDx event or more informal.
Hear them speak live.
You may choose to attend an event specifically because you want to hear that expert speak live. Hearing someone speak live changes what you remember from what they said.
All of these are wonderful, but limited. What if you could get the highlights of their work, the energy of a live talk, and the chance to ask your own questions?
Enter Virtual LeaderCon.
Why Virtual LeaderCon Is Unique
Virtual LeaderCon is our annual live virtual event that gives you the experts and access to them. Specifically, you get:
- A curated list of experts. We take the time to bring the latest thinking from top experts, whether to help you grow as an individual leader, or to expand the results of your enterprise. What could you learn from experts like Cheryl Einhorn, Dan Pontefract, or Marilee Adams?
- A skilled facilitator. I’ve led hundreds of groups in learning situations and facilitated over a thousand conversations with experts (across Virtual LeaderCon, the Remarkable Leadership Podcast, and more). I come with thought-provoking conversation starters before giving you the floor for your questions.
- An engaged audience. Our platform allows for easy interaction between the audience members and with the experts. The open engaged audience is a hallmark of every “VLC” event. This provides energy, but also, importantly, the chance to learn from and encourage each other.
- Your questions, in real time. This is what you can’t get from any of the avenues listed above. Actual real-time access to some of the wisest communicators, leaders and researchers in the world. One answer from the right expert could change your leadership success.
Virtual LeaderCon is live this week! You still have plenty of time to join us! Learn more and register for free here.
Missed it? You can get all the recordings, transcriptions and AI-supported extras (with all the benefits listed above, minus asking your own questions!) with Premium membership.
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