At last week’s Leaders Breakfast our keynote speaker was Mike Hagee, retired US Marine General and retired President/CEO Admiral Nimitz Foundation. He spoke to leadership lessons we can learn from Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz.  He stated three elements of Nimitz’s leadership ethos. One of the elements is the subject of this week’s column—Learning. This reminded me of an important lesson from one of my mentors: “Be a Learner and not a Knower.” Further, when in business, try hard to hire Learners, because Knowers are much less able to adapt to change or be innovative. 

Running a small business in a town like ours is no small feat. Whether you’re serving up coffee on Main Street, running a car repair shop, selling your small crops at the weekly Farmer’s Market or making award winning wine, you know that every day brings new challenges—and new opportunities. But there’s one quality that separates those who thrive from those who simply survive: the willingness to keep learning.

Change Is the Only Constant

You’ve probably noticed that the world doesn’t stand still. New technologies, shifting customer preferences, and even changes in local regulations can turn yesterday’s sure thing into today’s question mark. The most successful small business owners I know aren’t the ones who have all the answers, but the ones who are always asking questions. They read, they listen, they watch what’s working (and what isn’t), and they aren’t afraid to try something new.

Learning Isn’t Just for the Young

It’s easy to think that learning is something you leave behind after school, but in business, the real education never ends. Whether it’s attending a workshop at the Chamber of Commerce, listening to a podcast, or simply chatting with customers about what they’d like to see you do differently, every interaction is a chance to pick up something new.

Mistakes Are Lessons in Disguise

Let’s be honest: nobody likes to make mistakes. But every misstep is a chance to learn. Maybe you tried a new product that didn’t sell, or a marketing idea that flopped. Instead of beating yourself up, ask: What can I learn from this? How can I do better next time? The most resilient business owners are the ones who treat mistakes as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.

Learning Builds Community

When you’re open to learning, you’re also open to listening—to your employees, your customers, and your fellow business owners. Sharing ideas, swapping stories, and supporting each other makes our town stronger. After all, when one business succeeds, we all benefit.

The Bottom Line

So, if you’re running a business in our town, don’t worry about knowing everything. Focus on being a learner. Stay curious. Ask questions. Try new things. And remember: the most important investment you can make isn’t in equipment or advertising—it’s in yourself.

Here’s to lifelong learning, and to the bright future of small businesses in our community!