Rare Air: John Maxwell, Urban Meyer Show Great Leaders Are Always Learning

Written by Don Yaeger on November 11, 2016. Posted in Chasing Greatness Blog.

The truly great ones, no matter their level of expertise, are always learning. Unlike many of us who grow complacent, the truly great are aware that there is always room to improve and ways to grow. They never believe they know it all.

Just as important, the best of the best know there are always places to go to learn more and people to learn from.

I experienced this lesson firsthand recently while recording the first episode of “Go Big,” a new monthly online learning series featuring John Maxwell, the top leadership expert in America, and yours truly discussing leadership with the greatest minds in sports.

“Go Big” launches on Sunday, November 20. To learn more about it and for a FREE opportunity to watch our first interview, go here. Full details on the program Maxwell and I will host are at LeadersGoBig.com

As a thought leader, John has spoken to millions around the globe and impacted millions more through the 70-plus books he has authored. But even with those amazing credentials, John continues to learn from others, something I saw on the set as we interviewed Ohio State University football Coach Urban Meyer, who has won three national titles and is one of only three coaches to win championships at two different universities.

During our interview, I would ask Coach Meyer questions and he offered excellent answers. But the real wisdom came after Coach Meyer replied to my question. John jumped in at the end of the answer. “Coach Meyer, do you know what I just learned about leadership from listening to you?” he asked.

I knew enough to stay on the sidelines as two men exchanged insights. John shared what he learned from Coach Meyer. All I could do was look toward Coach Meyer who was busy scrambling for a pen so he could write down John’s perspective about his own answer.

To me, this quick exchange personifies the height of leadership. You have someone who offers perspective on your wisdom and insights that even you want to take note of. This inspires even more revelations on what you have experienced because someone else shares their perspective on it.

I watched Coach Meyer, the very best in his profession, answer my question before a leader like John Maxwell offered his take on the coach’s answer. Then I watched Coach Meyer say that he learned from John sharing his perspective on his own answer.

“This is rare air,” I told myself as I took it all in.

Even though they are both at the apex of their respective fields, John Maxwell and Urban Meyer showed that they are always learning…and still growing. In doing so both of them displayed what it means to be an amazing leader and a true great.

When has an expert turned to you for more knowledge? When have you shown this aspect of leadership? What was your John Maxwell and Urban Meyer moment? I’d love to hear you story!

Just as important, the best of the best know there are always places to go to learn more and people to learn from.