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Leading by Teaching
by Jan Richards
Leading. It's many things, of course. Inevitably, some time, somewhere - often when you least expect it - leading means teaching.
Like you, I had managers who understood that, and others who didn't. Those who taught easily "in the moment," when need be, were the superior leaders, I found. They didn't get irritated or angry that there was an unplanned glitch in the system, that someone needed extra time or help to understand something. But more on that in a bit.
Several situations reminded me how critical it is to teach easily and well when the occasion calls for it.
In just one example, our son, Matt, fresh from the first day of 7th grade, asked for help with his math. He's always been a good student, so I expected he'd need help on just one or two problems. When the questions didn't stop soon, I began to look for patterns in what was blocking him. I wanted to "teach him through" the barriers so he'd find his own way the next time.
Here is what we did to improve his problem-solving for next time:
Read it right.
It's so basic it's easy to overlook. Relax, focus, read - calmly. Matt was discounting some errors with the comment, "Oh, I just read it wrong," as if that, in its own right were not a problem that needed solving. Reading - and interpreting - directions correctly is the critical first step to solving a problem. Think of a map. You have to read it right to get where you want to go. The alternative? Adventures - many undesirable - may ensue.
Simplify, then solve.
Look for the simplest possible way to "frame" or approach the problem. Then solve it. My son was doing the opposite - he was making the math problems more complex. I could see and hear it in the trial approaches and answers he suggested. I showed Matt - reminded him, really - how to break big problems down into chunks that were each very easy to solve.
Look for patterns.
Once we identified patterns in the things that were blocking him, it became easier to find solutions. I experimented with ways to teach and reach him until it was clear he "got it," and could find the final answer. When he knew what to do, Matt took over with great eagerness. The "problem" now looked like a "puzzle" and he knew he could solve similar ones in the future.
Learn from others.
Matt was looking to me that day to help him see, and find his way through the haze. Another day, hopefully, he would have asked his teacher or a classmate for help. Learn to ask for, and receive assistance when you need it. Get over the idea that you can't "expose" your need for help. Eventually, it'll be found out if you don't learn to ask for help or directions when you should have, and sooner is better than later to solve this problem.
Believe you will find a way.
The goal is to find a simple, elegant solution to each problem. Believe it exists, that it's there. Matt brightened up considerably as the water level - the magnitude of the confusion - dropped, and he knew he wouldn't drown. Soon he could see a horizon, and land ahead. He ended the work session with an extra bit of gusto in his voice, and in his step. That's what confidence can do for you - give you extra zest for the next challenge ahead.
Back now for a minute to my own experience as the frustrated student, this time on the job.
In this case, I was new at a high tech firm, fresh out of grad school.
I was well-fortified with the theory of accruals - accounting entries that assign outstanding expenses to the right budget in the right financial period. But I didn't have any experience actually booking one, and we were facing year-end close. My new manager was good at many things, but he clearly did not like stopping to teach or coach. He wanted to keep things moving, moving, moving.
I scrounged around, looking for anyone else who could teach me through my first accruals. I found a peer - the one among the many who understood my plight, and remembered being there himself. He took the time to teach, to lead.
My manager was finally forced into teaching, though.
It was during the Perfect Storm of year-end close and 13 rounds of business planning in that rapidly growing business. Without training for the software and computer I was using for the first time, I'd gotten so bogged down I couldn't move forward without his help, though neither of us wanted to admit it.
He had no choice, finally, but to calm down, sit down and work through the problem with me, teaching as we unraveled the Excel model I'd turned into a huge, horrible knot. I found for the first time that he was a very good teacher, and a leader.
The outcome?
As you've guessed, the result this time was much better for him, for me, our team, and for our client group.
Did I ever need help with that problem again, once he taught me through it? Not a chance.
What can you do to lead by teaching well, or follow by learning well?
If you're a manager:
- Do you check periodically to find out if your direct reports need help, or additional guidance?
- Do your teaching and coaching skills need polishing?
- Are you approachable, if employees do need help? (Are you sure?)
- Do processes and performance feedback need simplification or other improvements to enable employees to work better and easier?
If you're an employee:
- Do you let your manager know when you need his or her time or advice to work through something you don't understand, or know you could do better?
- Are there other resources inside or outside your company that you can use to learn and improve?
- Is there a peer you can ask for help?
- Are you willing and able to help others, when they need it, to conquer a problem at work?
A few quotes about leading by teaching:
Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty.
Albert Einstein
We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.
Peter F. Drucker
The mediocre leader tells. The good leader explains. The superior leader demonstrates. The great leader inspires.
Anonymous
It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations.
J. R. R. Tolkien
About the Author
And now I invite you to get your copy of the free report, "Leading Teams Successfully Through Uncertain Times" when you visit jgrichardsresults.com from Jan Richards, J.G. Richards Consulting - Turning Business Goals Into Great Results.
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