Are you a gifted teacher?
I’m not sure that I am. Yet in every leadership position I’ve held, I wanted to help my team grow.
Every leader dreams of a team that’s constantly growing and improving, but not every leader feels equipped to be the teacher their team needs.
If you’re like most leaders, these two things are true:
- You believe teaching is an important pathway for growth.
- Teaching is a gift that not every leader possesses.
If you’re a leader who desires your team to grow but feels ill-equipped to teach, this post is for you.
What Does “Teaching” Really Mean?
When I think about a teacher, I think of Ms. Mason, my third-grade teacher. She was the prototypical teacher, which is probably why she took up the profession.
You’re not a teacher by profession. This doesn’t mean you cannot teach, but teaching may not come naturally.
The Traditional Role of Teachers
Traditionally, teachers:
- Develop lesson plans and design curriculum
- Offer instruction and guidance
- Assess and evaluate their students
- Provide individualized support
- Create a learning culture
Teaching is a skill set. Sure, it can be learned, but luckily, this is not the only way to “teach” your team.
How to Teach When You’re Not a Natural Teacher
1. Leverage Your Strengths
- Focus on your expertise and share what you know best.
- Bring in others who can teach effectively in areas where you might struggle. This may feel like an attack on your pride, which is why too many leaders don’t do it. Every leader isn’t gifted at every leadership skill. If you’re not a teacher, that’s okay. It’s not okay, however, to know you’re not a teacher and force everyone to sit under your instruction.
2. Facilitate Learning Rather Than Direct Teaching
- Encourage a learning culture by asking questions and fostering discussions. Consider budgeting for learning experiences.
- Create environments where team members can learn from each other. Peer learning or mastermind groups can benefit the entire organization.
3. Be a Guide on the Side
- Act as a mentor rather than a lecturer, offering support and guidance.
- Provide resources and encourage self-directed learning.
4. Simplify Complex Concepts
- Break down difficult ideas into simpler, more digestible parts. While this is a teaching technique, anyone can take what they do or see and help others understand it.
- Focus on key takeaways that are essential for your team to understand.
5. Use Practical Application
- Teach by doing, involving your team in hands-on activities. Never lead something alone. Whenever possible, invite members of your team along to watch and learn through observation and participation.
- Encourage them to practice what they’ve learned immediately.
6. Delegate More Than You Do
- Decide what you are most gifted to do and what your job requires of you, then delegate everything else.
- Define a system to ensure effective delegation.
Broaden Your Definition of “Teaching” to Improve Your Team
Just as we don’t all learn the same way, it’s naive to think teaching must all be done the same way.
Teaching in a classroom setting is relatively narrow in scope, but as a team or organizational leader, you have access to “teach” in several ways. Just because you’re not a natural teacher by definition doesn’t mean your team should miss out on learning.
Call to Action:
Reflect on how you can implement one of these teaching strategies with your team this week. Remember, growth happens not just through instruction but through shared experiences and a commitment to learning together.
Quotes for Inspiration:
- “The best leaders are those who lead by example, not by instruction.”
- “A leader who knows when to delegate and when to mentor creates a team that thrives.”
- “You don’t need to be a teacher to inspire learning; you need to care about growth.”
Resources for Further Learning:
- Book: “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
- Article: “The Art of Delegation” on HBR.org
- Podcast: “Coaching for Leaders” by Dave Stachowiak
One More Thing…
Most leaders are overwhelmed with daily tasks, leaving little time for innovation, creativity, and strategic growth. Check out gavinadams.com for more leadership support and content.
I offer systemic coaching and organizational consulting for leaders like you. Reply to this email if you’d like to discuss options.
If you are a church leader, visit the Church Accelerator Community. I offer coaching, community, and content to help you work on your church, not just in your church.
