Leadership is about Teaching

By Clay S. Nelson, President - Consulting Services Network LLC

Think about the following questions: What will your team learn from you today? and What new discovery will you make in the process?

To explore these questions, lets take a look at the gift of teachingfrom the perspective of your being a leader. It doesnt matter how large or small your organization isit needs a leader who is an excellent teacher. It needs you!

A leader uses the process of teaching for two purposes: First, to free up the leader to do what leaders should be doingbeing the visionary for the organization, and second, to enroll your team in taking ownership in what your organization is up to. Then you can step back and let the team do it, instead of doing everything yourself.

When you let the team move forward with the specific tasks, the hows, and the by whens, inevitably, an I dont know how will show up. Now its time to teach your team! Let them know that they arent expected to know everything and that it is ok to ask for help! Teach your employees that I dont knows are signs of progress, for when an I dont know shows up, an opportunity to grow and to learn how is on the way!

You can assist (and grow) your team at these moments by being the question, not the answer. What does that mean? Its really as simple as this: instead of replying to a team members question with an answer, respond with a question like, If I werent available now for you to ask me about this, what would you do next?

With your employees busy working on the how, you are freed up to figure out whats next for the organization. As a leader, you should be continuously reflecting on, and reevaluating, your vision. Youve got to teach that vision, because if you dont, the vision wont exist. A vision not shared is nothing more than just a good idea. You dont really expect your vision to become a reality if you dont teach it, do you?

Another bonus of teaching you will discover is that teaching keeps your own edge sharp. As Aristotle said, Teaching is the highest form of learning. You never really know something until you can teach it.

Think about it!

  • What would it be like to have a team empowered to accomplish your vision?

  • What if your team would think not just in terms of checking off tasks from a list, but in terms of asking, How can we do this better and more efficiently? How can I contribute to the success of the company?"
  • What would it be like for your business to be able to continue without you?
  • What would it be like to have time for yourself and your family? (Oh, gosh! Then what would you do with that time?)
  • What would it be like to be the visionary, the creator of new ideas and goals? Would that light you up every day? Would that way of being catapult you out of your bed every morning, outrageously unstoppable?

So, do you know what your team will learn from you today?How about how to solve problems? How to think? Are they excited about the organizations goals and your vision of where its going?

And, by the way, what have you discovered by teaching? How to grow your team? That you dont have to do it all? That theres actually time for you? Wow! Lets get going!

Clay S. Nelson, the founder of Consulting Services Network LLC, and his team are committed to putting fun, family and financial freedom into everyones business and personallives. With over two decades of experience coaching business leaders in creating life balance, building teams, and writing plans, their programs are designed to alter the culturesof companies and families. They make a powerful and lasting difference with each person they meet, every group they speak with, and with every client they serve.

Visit the Consulting Services Network LLC Website

Learn more about Coaching with Clay S. Nelson

Learn more about the Personal Planning Workshop

Contact Consulting Services Network LLC

Information Request

More Articles by Clay S. Nelson

Site Sponsors