Unlearn “Unlearn”: Why Relearning is the Key to True Transformation

Today, organizations and professionals frequently advocate for “unlearning.” According to the Oxford Dictionary, unlearning is the act of “discard (something learned, especially a bad habit or false or outdated information) from one's memory.” While the idea sounds promising, the reality is far more complex.

The Problem with Unlearning

Forcing a leader, professional, or an entire organization to unlearn deeply ingrained behaviors and beliefs is nearly impossible—unless you have a futuristic memory-erasing machine. And if you’re trying to apply this concept across a whole organizational system, you’d need a massive, high-efficiency version of that machine. Sounds like science fiction, doesn’t it?

As humans, our experiences shape our perceptions, behaviors, and decision-making processes. These lived experiences contribute to our identity, and attempting to erase them is not only unrealistic but can also cultivate a toxic organizational culture. Expecting employees or leaders to “forget” past behaviors without acknowledging them disregards the valuable lessons those experiences offer.

The Power of Relearning

Instead of focusing on unlearning, the real growth lies in RELEARNING. The Cambridge Dictionary defines relearning as “to learn again; to learn how to do something again.” This concept respects past experiences while encouraging the development of new perspectives and behaviors.

Why is relearning more effective? Because it acknowledges that even negative experiences carry value—they offer insights into personal growth and development.

Example: Transforming Leadership Styles

Consider a high-level executive who has long adopted an authoritarian leadership style—frequently raising their voice at staff for missed deadlines or unresolved product issues. Expecting this leader to unlearn their reactive behavior means asking them to erase years of conditioned responses.

However, relearning invites a different approach. It allows the executive to:

1. Acknowledge past behaviors.

2. Reflect on the impact these behaviors had on team morale and productivity.

3. Adapt by developing new, constructive ways to handle high-pressure situations.

Rather than erasing the past, the leader builds upon it, fostering emotional intelligence and empathy—key traits of modern leadership.

Creating Safe Spaces for Relearning

Successful transformation requires an environment where individuals feel safe to reflect, grow, and experiment. Whether it’s through executive coaching, workshops, or team-building initiatives, creating spaces for self-reflection accelerates meaningful change.

When leaders and employees are empowered to take ownership of their personal and professional growth, the changes they make are more likely to stick. They develop sustainable habits, leading to long-term success—not just temporary fixes.

The Role of Accountability in Relearning

Relearning isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about fostering accountability. The executive who once raised their voice at employees can now look back, recognize the emotional toll it took on the team, and use that insight to lead with empathy. This transformation not only improves workplace culture but also positions the leader as a mentor, guiding others away from similar pitfalls.

Unlike unlearning, which demands forgetting the past, relearning encourages responsibility—owning past behaviors while committing to improvement. This approach doesn’t just change individuals; it reshapes organizational culture, promoting transparency, growth, and innovation.

Why Relearning Drives Lasting Organizational Change

When leaders model relearning, they create ripple effects throughout the organization:

• Enhanced Team Collaboration: Leaders who relearn foster open communication and trust.

• Increased Employee Engagement: Employees feel valued when leaders acknowledge past mistakes and work toward positive change.

• A Culture of Continuous Improvement: Organizations thrive when growth is seen as an ongoing journey, not a one-time event.

Final Thoughts

In a world that’s constantly evolving, relearning offers a more authentic and sustainable path to personal and organizational transformation. It respects past experiences, encourages growth, and fosters accountability—laying the foundation for stronger leadership and resilient company cultures.

So, instead of focusing on how to unlearn outdated habits, ask yourself: “How can I relearn and evolve?”

Embrace the past. Shape the future. That’s the power of relearning.

_______________________________________________________________

Heather Ritson

Career Coach & Trainer

Founder of Phoenix Empower, LLC

419-957-1539

heather@phoenixempowerllc.com

www.phoenixempowerllc.com

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Stepping Into Your Power

“Follow the guidance of your inner guru.”

After our family dinner of takeout last night, I opened up my fortune cookie that read “Follow the guidance of your inner guru.” I know these fortunes are mass-printed and produced in factories, but sometimes the universe has a way of speaking to you. 

The last few months I have been on a journey of discovery and finding myself again. When I go through big life changes, I tend to question myself and my abilities. I tell myself “Do you even know what you are doing?”, “Are you good enough?” 

Then I opened this fortune cookie, and as silly as it may have been, it was like a cloud completely lifted. This is not the first time I have had this feeling of self-doubt. During major transitions in my life, that inner monster comes through and takes over. Starting a new job, graduating from a program, starting a new business, diving further into growing that business, applying for jobs, being given bigger responsibilities at work, etc. That inner self-doubt monster creeps in and a lot of times I can talk with my mentor or coach and get out of it, but occasionally it takes control so hard and I am the only one that can pull myself out. 

If you have ever felt like this and that you don’t belong at the table—even when you’ve earned your seat and have the skills and experience? That’s imposter syndrome talking.

It’s the voice that whispers:
❌ “I’m not qualified enough.”
❌ “I just got lucky.”
❌ “Someone is going to find out I don’t belong here.”

❌ “You can’t do this.”

The truth? You do belong. However, imposter syndrome can keep even the most talented professionals stuck in self-doubt instead of stepping into their full potential.

So how do you silence that voice and step into your power? Here are some tips that have helped not only me but all my clients who have gone through the same thing.

✅ Recognize it for what it is – Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of incompetence; it’s a sign of growth. High achievers experience it because they are constantly pushing themselves. When you start pushing yourself past your comfort and normal, it opens space for growth – and that self-doubt monster.

✅ Reframe your thoughts – Instead of thinking, "I don't know enough," try "I'm open to learning and growing." When we are open to learning and growing, and allow ourselves grace when things aren’t perfect or when we need to ask for support or guidance in a new space, it helps squash those thoughts and feelings of self-doubt. Your expertise is valuable—own it! 

✅ Collect the receipts – Journaling isn’t just a tool for mental health, experienced leaders and professionals keep journals to not only track their progress but be able to reflect on moments of learning and growth. Keep a ‘win file’ of compliments, achievements, and successes to remind yourself that you are capable and deserving. 

✅ Speak it out loud – Talk to a mentor, coach, or peer. You’ll quickly realize that imposter syndrome is more common than you think, and support can help you shift your perspective. Speaking with my mentors or when I am supporting a client, that inner self-doubt monster tends to lift a lot quicker than when you are trying to navigate it alone. 

✅ Take action despite self-doubt – Confidence comes from doing. The more you show up, the more your brain will recognize that you are worthy. Make a list of things that you want to do or accomplish in the next few days. Every time you check something off your list, reward yourself with something that brings you joy like spending quality time with your children, partner, or friends, buying yourself a coffee or latte from a coffee shop, or eating a piece of your favorite candy. No matter how big or small, celebrate those small wins. When we celebrate and reward ourselves for completing tasks, it sends good hormones and signals to our brains that release dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin, or the feel-good, happy chemicals that our body naturally releases, which ultimately help you get out of your funk. 

If imposter syndrome has ever held you back, remember this: You are not an imposter. You are a work in progress, just like everyone else.

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? Let us know in the comments.

💡 Want to take your confidence to the next level? Download my free Career Growth Guide https://www.phoenixempowerllc.com/resources for actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt and own your success! If you need support, reach out to your coach. Don’t have a coach? Contact me to schedule a free coaching consultation at heather@phoenixempowerllc.com.

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