When I began my career, I had one requirement: every day needed to look a little different. I craved exposure to new experiences and new projects (which is a polite way of saying I had no idea what I wanted to do and needed a job that would allow me to figure it out). What I realized, however, is my desire was not for constant change but constant learning. Southwest has been that perfect place for me.
Our Company Promise assures all Employees that it will not only provide job stability and support but also “equal opportunity for learning and personal growth.” No one championed the personal and professional advancement of our People more than Colleen Barrett (namesake of the CCB Institute). She believed investing in the individual was essential to the success of the Company. In her words, success is “…the determination to follow through on a vision, mission, or goal. The focus is on giving your all to get the best result, so everyone wins.” The question, then, is how do I consistently grow to get that best result?
While the experience may be different for each person, to me, it comes down to a few basic ideas:
- Every interaction is an opportunity to learn. My most meaningful growth moments have come from observing others. How do they captivate an audience? How do they organize their thoughts to tell a story that leads to challenging dialogue? What questions are they asking that never crossed my mind? Always look for skills to add to your “toolbox.”
- Be proactive with your own development. As a Leader, you have a responsibility to help develop your Team, but you must also prioritize your own growth. Take advantage of structured learning as well as the value of peer review. When I had the privilege of participating in Southwest’s High Impact Leader II Program, I received open feedback from my Leader, peers, and Team. While sometimes uncomfortable, honest feedback can also reveal unintended “blind spots.”
- Learning is lifelong. In fact, life is a series of lessons, whether we want them or not. So be intentional about how you grow and what you learn. View challenges as preparation for improvement. Ask questions, then listen. Don’t shy away from the unknown when it comes to learning. Even the best experts are perpetual students.
At Southwest, the most impactful Leaders I’ve known are continuous learners. They have a constant curiosity about the “how’s” and “why’s” of what happens to—and around—them. This focus on intentional learning and personal growth translates to advocacy for the development of others and preparation for meeting the ever-changing needs of businesses, communities, and the world around us. Happy learning!
