I recently ate at a breakfast buffet where there was a rapidly replenished large selection of delicious food choices. As I ate, and observed others, I determined there are three basic strategies that we employ at a buffet, and I think they relate to the learning strategies we all have available to us as well. Let’s start at breakfast, then translate those strategies to learning strategies and look at the pros and cons of each.

The Buffet Strategies

Here are the three basic eating strategies I see from those eating at a buffet. Which one do you use?

The All-You-Can-Eater. The person who uses this approach wishes the plate was larger so they wouldn’t have to go back so often. They like all (or nearly all) of the items and will eat as much as they can. They enjoy the volume, saying it’s too good to stop.

The Sampler. This strategy is one of trying everything - looking for the things they like best. They may try things they aren’t sure they like and may use their sampling strategy to go back and get more of their favorites.

The Deep Diver. The deep dive strategy is one of recognizing the options but picking what they like best and focusing there. They think of the buffet more like a menu that they will pick their few desired items from, rather than eating some of everything.

All three of these strategies can lead to people being nourished, satisfied and pleased with how much they enjoyed the meal, even if they went at it in very different ways.

The Learning Strategy Equivalents

As I watched these strategies play out at our table and across the restaurant, I was struck by how these same strategies are used when people go to a conference or even to a workshop (though it is less obvious there.) Here are the corollaries.

The All-You-Can-Learner. This is the learning strategy of more is better. People using this approach will take in as much learning as they can, exposing themselves to a wide variety of topics and skills and approaching all of it with an almost reckless appetite. This approach leads to broad exposure, but perhaps a sluggishness like we feel after a really big meal. In a learning context, that looks like not knowing where to start after the learning is over – there are too many ideas!

The Scanning Learner. The scanning learner samples a bit of everything, trying to get some ideas on all topics. While a broad knowledge can be valuable, the possible challenge is not getting enough depth in anything to build true understanding – making application harder.

The Focused Learner. This is the strategy born of priorities. This learner recognizes a knowledge or skill gap and dives into that skill, wanting to build deep understanding. This provides a better chance of quick application of new ideas but might leave the people with blind spots. If people picked what they like or stayed in a topic area of comfort and strength, they might miss the opportunities a learning buffet might offer.

Your Next Learning Buffet

Regardless of your preferred learning strategy, let me offer you a perfect place to practice that strategy (or try a different one).

Virtual LeaderCon is a 2.5 day, free-to-attend virtual & interactive learning experience where you can learn from top thought leaders and gain ideas from them – from both the leadership and personal development prospective. I challenge you to three things:

  1. Look at the agenda. If you are a deep diver, I’m betting you will find at least one session that will help you reach your goals. If you are a sampler or all-you-can-learner, you will be excited by the options!
  2. Register - and remember it is free.
  3. Invite a friend. Just like the breakfast buffet, it is more pleasant and enjoyable if you aren’t eating alone.

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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