Those Who Can’t, Teach
“Those who can’t, teach.” This old, tired phrase needs to permanently exit our vernacular. Personally, I find its use offensive. It’s a slight to those who have made the choice to dedicate their lives to the teaching profession. Worse yet, it gives the impression that teaching, and coaching by extension, are less-than-valued vocations.
Yes, teachers and coaches should have more direct experience in the subjects they claim mastery over—primarily because the future of work will require a more careful balance between the theoretical and empirical/experiential. For example, teaching marketing without having been a marketer in some capacity should be discouraged.
Okay, rant complete. The point today is that we are all teachers and coaches. We must all embrace our role as teacher and coach. The 21st Century imperative that all humans embrace lifelong learning demands it. From last week’s Muse, “the lifelong learner is coachable but also coaches. The lifelong learner is a student but also teaches. The lifelong learner inspires and seeks inspiration.”
Since we’re all teachers and coaches, we should be continually honing these skills. As promised in last week’s Muse, what are the characteristics of an effective teacher/coach? Here are a few to consider—please note that I’ll be using the words teacher and coach synonymously.
Observation and Listening: First and foremost, great teachers are great listeners. They are keen observers of the world around them. Yes, they love to lecture and impart information and counsel, but one of the most important aspects of teaching is listening to the diverse needs of students to gain an understanding of where the student is, so they can be met where they’re at. A great teacher knows when to talk and when to shut up, observe, and listen.
Patience: Great teachers are patient. They know when it’s time to push and when to hold back and not force a student who’s not ready. Teachers understand that humans only learn when they’re uncomfortable, but also know that students don’t learn effectively when they’re under undue stress. Getting this balancing act right is extremely difficult and requires real finesse.
Objectivity: A great teacher knows to remain objective and that they lose the clarity of their purpose when objectivity is compromised.
Candor: A great teacher will tell you where you’re not meeting the mark constructively. Teachers know how to motivate based on what’s going well, and suggest areas for improvement. Effective teachers understand the balancing act between being honest with a student about a shortcoming, and tipping over into unnecessary negativity—which will only serve to tear the student down and close their mind.
Inclusive: Great teachers don’t play favorites. They know that every student is on a one-size-fits-them journey. Most everyone can close their eyes and recall what it felt like to not be the “teacher’s pet.” Did you feel excluded, unseen, and unworthy?
Compassionate: Compassion is the ability to recognize and connect with the feelings and experiences of others and a willingness to do something about it. Great teachers and coaches are compassionate leaders.
Eternal Optimist: Teachers and coaches believe that with education, training, a willingness to become purposefully uncomfortable, and the desire to continuously improve—to strive toward the next, elevated state of balance and well-being, things will get better. If things don’t get better, they don’t give up. They pivot, adjust, learn, and move forward.
There are many other subskills and characteristics of great teachers and coaches, but the connection I’d like to point out is that the list we just plowed through is interchangeable with the subskills and characteristics of great leaders. The bottom line is that great leaders are great teachers. The two concepts of teaching/coaching and leadership are inextricably connected.
Want to be a great leader? Become a great teacher and coach.
