While IQ tests may be the “gold standard” for measuring intelligence, in the business world an impressive IQ score does not always equal success. What does? Being innovative. Innovation doesn’t happen by accident; it blossoms from curiosity, fresh ideas, and perhaps more importantly a commitment to being a life long leaner.
Here’s the thing: when you’re running a company, the likely assumption is that learning is for everyone else. Your team may attend workshops, earn certifications, and study to keep up with industry trends. Meanwhile, you’re buried in the day to day grind, strategy meetings and firefighting. But if the you stop learning, the entire business eventually stops growing.
This is NOT an exaggeration. Look at how markets shift. See how quickly technology leaps forward. Customer expectations change overnight. The skills, insights and training that got your company off the ground may likely not carry it into the next five years. In other words, what got you here won’t get you there. If you, the owner, aren’t expanding your knowledge, you can quickly become the bottleneck to your own success.
Your learning sets the tone for your team. They take their cues from you. When the person at the top is curious and actively learning, it signals that growth isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected. It shows that no one, not even the boss, is above improvement. That mindset seeps into the culture and sparks creativity across the entire organization.
Staying sharp is easy. Continuing education doesn’t have to mean heading back to college. It might look like:
- Joining a mastermind group or CEO roundtable.
- Attending a cutting-edge industry conference each year.
- Reading widely—business, tech, psychology, even fiction—to stretch your thinking.
- Hiring a coach or mentor to challenge your perspective.
To ensure success, schedule it like any other critical business activity. Block time on your calendar for learning just like you would for a client meeting.
Compapies that keep evloving are driven by leaders who keep learning. You’ll spot opportunities faster, make better strategic decisions, and inspire your team to innovate right alongside you.
Forget about IQ scores. The real measure of intelligence in business is the willingness to stay curious. As the CEO or owner, your most powerful competitive advantage isn’t just what you know today—it’s your commitment to keep learning tomorrow. Now is the time to act. Explore how the right systems can help you regain control, free up your time, and position your business for sustainable growth. Don’t wait until burnout forces your hand—reach out today and let’s chart the path forward together.