• Thu. Nov 23rd, 2023

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Women’s History Month, Maya Angelou, and Giving What You Learn

When you learn, teach, when you get, give. Maya Angelou
When you learn, teach, when you get, give

“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.”

During the month of March each year all across the United States, people celebrate Women’s History Month. This blog was created to encourage, inspire, and motivate people to be their best at work and home. During the month of March each year, we share quotes from Maya Angelou. Each quote is analyzed to show why Angelou’s words, written so long ago are appropriate for today’s entrepreneurs.

So, sit back read the beautiful words, then check out the analysis. Stay with us for the entire month and feel free to share your own video interpretation in the comments. Today’s quote is:

“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.”

This quote is important because it has 3 lessons for entrepreneurs. These lessons are:

1. Always be learning.
2. Share what you learn.
3. Be generous with others.

Always be learning.

Almost everyone has heard the expression, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I disagree with that expression with my whole heart. I believe that you can learn something new every day if you try. Entrepreneurs who want to succeed must understand that there is always something new that can be learned. Each day there are changes in the law, new competitors enter the market place, and advances in technology change the way things are done.

These facts make it important for entrepreneurs to always be learning. Entrepreneurs must make continuing education a priority in the business routine. This means that they must read industry publications, blog articles, magazine, and newspapers on a regular basis. What regular means, varies from entrepreneur to entrepreneur. The important thing is to make sure learning opportunities are a regular part of business operations.


Share what you learn.

For the most part, hoarding is not a good practice. This is definitely true when it comes to knowledge. When you learn something, don’t hide that knowledge under a bushel. Instead, look for people with whom you can share your newfound knowledge. So do what my mother-in-law used to tell me, “get all you can and can all you get.” Then take that lesson a little further and share your can with others.

As an entrepreneur, think about sharing newly learned information with partners and employees. When you learn things about your industry or that can make your business better you must share the information with these people. The people in your business should be able to see and trust that you will give them the information they need to do their jobs, maintain job security, and improve themselves.

You should also share information with fellow entrepreneurs, and members of your networking groups. Reputation is important. When you have a reputation for sharing good information people will want to be around you so they can get the good information. If you believe in the Golden Rule or that what goes around comes around, you will want to be helpful to others because others will help you in return.

Be generous with others.

Be a generous giver. When you are giving good things, like knowledge, opportunities, or praise, be generous. I do not believe in half-stepping or doing things 50/50. I am a 100/100 type of person. When sharing information – share a lot, give a lot. When you are giving out praise to employees and partners – heap it on. Spread praise, compliments, and good thoughts liberally. Think about it this way. Have you ever had bread with butter? Bread with a little butter is good. But warm bread with lots of soft, creamy butter is delicious. When you give, go thick and rich.

Generosity, when sincere and from the heart is a beautiful thing. Generosity makes those who receive it feel good, powerful, and secure. People flee from a stingy person and flock to a generous one. Generosity is a magnet for other good things. Give, and when you do, be generous.

Never forget that Maya Angelou was right when she said, “When you learn, teach, when you get, give.” Also remember the three lessons for entrepreneurs from that saying: always be learning, share what you learn, and be generous with others.