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8 | WINTER 2021 Leadership is learned Want to inspire your characteristics of good help you grow — personally By Tamekia Reece Trait: Willingness to learn. The best lead- ers constantly seek out ways to expand their knowledge, whether it's through higher edu- cation, attending seminars and workshops or self-study. Lesson: Become a lifelong learner. Keep a to-learn list with skills you want to develop and concepts you want to master. Schedule time for learning. Read or listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Also, network and learn from leaders in and outside of your industry. Trait: Optimism. The best leaders have an optimistic outlook, even in the face of challenges. That positive attitude inspires and motivates others. Lesson: Maintain a sense of positivity in all you do. When you face a bump in the road or failure, don't wallow in negativity. Look at it as a learning experience and forge ahead with the belief that things will get better. "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." — President John F. Kennedy "There is a sense that things, if you keep positive and optimistic about what can be done, do work out." — Hilary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee