Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Being Teachable

By Mary Sarah Nassali

So you are already in the line of business with a great team and with great profit trickling in regularly. Everything seems to be going great; you could ask for nothing more.

However, it is not to sound pessimistic; it is pertinent to note that nothing lasts forever, and change is the only constant thing.

Certain methods applied in previous years may not be as effective in recent times. New scientific research and developments are springing up every day, causing the pattern of things to change.

Thus to remain relevant in business, one must learn to apply certain changes and improvements. In this writeup, we would consider a character trait that will help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and ensure that your business stays relevant at the same time.

The Art of Being Teachable

This is simply the act of being willing to learn and allowing oneself to be taught. A teachable person is humble enough to realize that despite all the knowledge they may have acquired, there is still a lot more to be learned.

Being teachable is not a declaration of total ignorance; it is an indication that what one knows as true may be wrong or irrelevant and thus needs to be relearned.

It is an indication that what one knows may be outdated and can be learned in a new way. Being teachable shows that one is given to constant self-evaluation and development.

How to be a Teachable

Any leader who refuses to be teachable will eventually stop leading; having an entrepreneurial mindset is a trait for every leader. Thus, any entrepreneur who refuses to be teachable may eventually run out of business or lose their relevance in the business sector.

To be teachable, one must first realize that learning can occur anywhere and at any time. Even in the most unlikely circumstances, great life lessons can be grasped.

Failure may sometimes occur, but it is not the endpoint of one’s business. Even in failures and mistakes, there are lessons to be learned, and these lessons will ensure that such mistakes are not repeated.

A high appetite for knowledge is also an indicator that a person is teachable. The quest to know more and broaden one’s horizon will lead to even more knowledge.

Tips that one can apply to become teachable:

• Talk less and listen more. In your conversations with others, listen to learn from them rather than counter them.
• Create teachable moments for yourself. Learning will not just happen by chance; make a conscious effort to learn. Read books, and articles, attend seminars and learn from them.
• Take note of all you have learned and constantly evaluate your growth process.

Conclusion

Knowledge gives one great power and an edge over those ignorant in the grand scheme of things. The endpoint of learning and knowledge is in its application. It is not enough to constantly seek new knowledge and ways to improve yourself; it is also important to put this knowledge to good use.

 No one is born with the ability to be teachable; it is a habit that is built over time. So do not fret. Constantly try out new things, stay on it, and you’re definitely on your way to becoming an outstanding business owner.

Mary Sarah Nassali is Strategy & Performance Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Central Region