Reimagine: Unlearning

In a culture focused on constant growth and improvement, the concept of “un”-anything feels like taking a step backward. 

But what if unlearning had the potential to unlock not just more growth, but sustainable growth? 

We’ve all inherited an idea of the one right way to work, and it’s hard to imagine doing things a different way. It feels risky–like we’ll fall behind and fail to grow, either personally or as an organization.

I challenge you to lean into the power of unlearning at work–and below, I’ll share how! 

If we’ve learned anything the past four years, it’s that change is inevitable. We can feel like we’ve found our groove (ahem, like I did in 2019!) but then a single event can turn everything upside down. 

This was, of course, true for Covid and the workplace, but it’s true in many smaller ways in our lives as well. That’s why a singular focus on upward growth and continuous improvement can actually be detrimental to our progress.

Why? Because we always have to be able to adapt. And unlearning is the key to unlock true adaptability.

For example, we’ve learned that there are steps to “guaranteed” success: work hard in school, go to a good college, take the best job opportunity, and put in as many hours as possible at work to climb the ladder. It’s so ingrained in us that it’s the only way to succeed that we sacrifice important things along the way: our health, our relationships, our communities.

Let’s unlearn this belief together. That’s the first step to reimagining how we work so we can work more sustainably, more in line with our values, and ultimately more effectively.

Here are four ways to practice unlearning, adapted from Ananya Banerjee: 

​​1. Regularly reflect on your beliefs about the “right” way to work, and use small changes to build up your risk tolerance for change.

2. Seek out diverse perspectives that challenge these beliefs. Look to others who are trying new things, even if they don’t always succeed; learn from both their mistakes and their courage.

3. Stay curious! Don’t be afraid to ask, “What if…?” And work to cultivate a culture of curiosity amongst your team and in your workplace.

4. Remember risks require discomfort, but without risk, there is no growth. If you’re looking to make a change in the way you work, a pilot project can be a great first step!

How does the concept of “unlearning” land with you? What ways of working do you need to unlearn? Hit ‘reply’ and let me know!

Working Well and Living Well

We’re kicking off another round of our Aligned Leaders group coaching cohort.

We’re providing it for an organization’s “Emerging Leaders.” We have 10 people joining together to learn how to lead themselves and their teams in a more healthy and sustainable way. 

And speaking of healthy and sustainable - I need to start training if I want to keep my reign as the fastest Knox in the pool!

The boys’ swim team had a parents-vs-kids practice the other night. I only beat my boys by the smidgiest of smidges (and I about burst my lungs doing it). 

But we had so much fun! And I’ll keep bragging as long as I can, because I know I’m about to be knocked off my throne! 

P.S. Follow me on LinkedIn for more insight about reimagining how we work and live!