>Everyday can be a learning process, but we need to know what we need to learn and that is where, (when it comes to a job), having a good supervisor or a good sounding board can make all the difference in the world.

At least from my perspective and experience, this is the way it goes. The people who do the best in the world, ,are generally surrounded by people who they can discuss the best with. 

>but they were afraid to step out of their comfort box and directly ask anyone what they needed to do to improve themselves.

If I keep doing the same thing really well, I will be noticed. The thing is that the people who are very good at their jobs are the hardest to move to a job that requires new skills that they don't have, as it is too risky. Do you move someone who is brilliant but you are unsure can stretch to learn the new skillset, or do you promote someone who is pretty good but already has demonstrated interest and learning in the new skillset? The risk in moving the first is that they might not be suited to the new position or be able to learn, but you then have also lost your best performer in the former position.