BUSINESS
BUSINESS LEADERS can LEARN from SCHOOL TEACHERS , too
Most of us can remember one or more great teachers we had , whose kind guidance positively impacted our life ’ s trajectory . Learning from dedicated educators is not limited to students , though . Business leaders can benefit greatly by employing a teacher ’ s viewpoint and expertise into their decision-making process .
In this issue of The Pulse , we examine the ways in which an educator ’ s experience could help expand a business leader ’ s skillset . Teachers are trained in knowledge sharing . Teachers are specifically trained in taking their existing knowledge , paired with new information , and passing it on to their pupils . They are trained in explaining , demonstrating , and leading with the goal of building skills and confidence in others .
This is a skillset business leaders , whether executive or middle management , could greatly benefit from having on their toolbelt . The higher up and more skilled you become in your company , the more you will need to delegate tasks and pass on knowledge to staff below you . Even if you ’ re the top expert in your field , teaching can still be challenging , and not everyone is a natural . Looking to classroom educators and college or university professors for guidance is one way you could strengthen your skills and receive excellent insight . Teachers must adapt to different learning styles . No two employees – or students – are the same . We all learn and process information differently . If you ’ re ever struggling with an underperforming employee , or in training a new program or ability , it might be worth asking a teacher for tips .
What is the best way to help a hands-on learner through a written or auditory training activity ? How do you customize training materials for an individual to a larger group ? Teachers tackle these challenges every day , and often with fewer resources than many businesses have access to . Teachers create engaging content . Especially for those that teach younger children ,
teachers must know how to make digesting information interesting .
Educational success business School Growth says “ leaders would be wise to tap into the expertise of educators in order to utilize modern approaches to curriculum design to build engagement internally ( with employees , managers , etc .) and externally ( with clients and communities ). Understanding how people learn and how to craft instructional experiences that strengthen relationships offers a unique marketing advantage .” Teachers have an unwavering work ethic . The best educators are the ones who are chronically optimistic about their students ’ potential . They believe in and inspire their pupils to perform at their best . Teachers demonstrate this by :
• Setting big , but possible , goals .
• Investing time and emotional energy in their students .
• Planning purposefully and executing that plan to benefit every student in the classroom .
• Taking feedback and improving their skills .
• Working relentlessly despite obstacles .
• Having compassion and empathy for their pupils . These are all things you , as a business leader , can be doing for your employees . In conclusion … The ability to teach and learn make you and your business highly competitive . There are no better role models for this than the educators who may have inspired you or your children to believe in yourself , work hard , and reach for your goals . If you have an educator in your life , it may be worth asking them for advice on how to improve your own leadership in the workplace .
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