As leaders, we’re often caught in a whirlwind of daily tasks, focusing on getting things done efficiently. We spend most of our time performing—meeting goals, driving results, and making decisions. While performance is vital to success, it can sometimes hold us back from growing as leaders and creating sustainable change in our teams.

In fact busyness and the default behaviours it facilitates is one of the commonest reasons we see in all industries why leaders struggle to change.

In his thought-provoking TEDx talk, Eduardo Briceño highlights the challenge that many leaders face: when the pressure to perform takes precedence over the need to improve. 

As Briceño discusses, the cycle of performance and improvement needs to coexist in order for leaders—and their teams—to grow. If we focus solely on performing without dedicating time to learning and development, we risk stalling our progress.

It is easy to fall into poor learning habits when you are feeling under pressure.

Briceño introduces the concept of two distinct zones: the performance zone and the learning zone.

• Performance Zone: This is where we are most productive. In this zone, we focus on doing tasks that we already know how to do, whether that’s managing a team, solving problems, or delivering results. We are efficient and effective, but we don’t push ourselves to grow or develop new skills.
  
• Learning Zone: This is where growth happens. It’s a space where we engage in challenges, experiment, and make mistakes. We focus on learning new skills, trying new things, and stepping outside our comfort zones. While we might not perform perfectly, this is where the real improvements take place.
  

The key takeaway is that as leaders, we need to dedicate time to the learning zone, even when there’s pressure to perform. Without actively engaging in learning, we risk plateauing and missing opportunities for development, both for ourselves and for our teams.

For many leaders, the performance zone becomes the default. There’s a constant rush to meet deadlines, achieve goals, and maintain results. While these are important, this focus on performing often leads us to avoid challenges that could lead to growth. We stick to what we know because it’s comfortable, efficient, and the results are predictable.

However, as Briceño points out, this creates a “growth paradox.” When we prioritise performing over learning, we miss out on the opportunity to improve our skills, innovate, and push ourselves to new heights. The danger here is that, over time, we stagnate and stop progressing, both as individuals and as leaders.

So, how do we ensure that we’re balancing performance with the necessary time for learning? 

Here are some actionable steps:

1. Create Time for Learning: Schedule regular sessions where you focus on learning and development. This could include reading, attending workshops, or even just reflecting on challenges and how to approach them differently.
   
2. Encourage a Growth Mindset: Enable a culture where learning is prioritised, not just performance. Encourage your team to experiment, take risks, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.
   
3. Celebrate the Learning Process: Instead of only celebrating outcomes and results, acknowledge and reward efforts in the learning zone. Recognise those who take initiative, step out of their comfort zones, and show resilience in the face of failure.
   
4. Seek Feedback: Regular feedback is essential for growth. Make it a habit to ask for constructive feedback from your peers, team members, and mentors. This helps you identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your leadership approach.
   
5. Reflect on Progress: Take time to reflect on your performance and learning regularly. What did you learn from recent challenges? How can you improve? Reflection helps you identify patterns and plan for growth.
   

The key to becoming an exceptional leader is to create a balance between performing and learning. Performance drives immediate results, but learning is what allows you to scale those results and develop as a leader. The best leaders understand that growth is a continuous journey, not a destination. By stepping into the learning zone and dedicating time to development, you can keep evolving and help your team thrive.

As you navigate the challenges of leadership, remember: your performance is important, but it should never come at the expense of your growth. Make room for both, and watch as you—and your team—rise to new heights.