One of the best things that I get to do on occasion is share my experience with other people and teach them about the things that I’ve done right and the things that I’ve done wrong. Recently it was at the Cobb Social Media Meetup where I was able to candidly share my thought on blogging, monetization, entrepreneurship, and people acceleration.
It was a blast and I always hope and pray that those in the audience leave with a sense of encouragement and a feeling of empowerment knowing that they already have much of what they need to do better at what they are attempting to accomplish.
To varying degrees it’s most simply the art of sharing a perspective on how things operate and seem to respond in our shared environment and world. The context, of course, this time was blogging and social media.
But here’s the neatest thing that is absolutely true: Although I educate others and teach others to do what I do because I desire them to succeed I am also, in return, honing and bettering my craft so I can be a more effective teacher. Without the element of education in my weekly regimen and diet I stagnate my growth pattern and hamstring the process of becoming better myself.
Have you ever given it much thought? How often do you find yourself in a position to humbly share your experiences with others for their enrichment? Do you hoard information? Do you explicitly and intentionally look for opportunities to export your learnings into other people?
It’s probably about time you started teaching others the things that you already know:
- It will make you a better person and increase your proficiency in your craft.
- It will give you the necessary practice of communication clarity – in other words, it will help you clearly communicate to others, a most valuable skill.
- It will force you to focus your time and attention on the things that you do absolutely the best. You won’t be able to teach others about things that you’re not good at!
- It will build your community and those that support you. You will create greater rapport and even find better and more qualified work opportunities.
- It will allow you to network with more strategic and like-minded people.
- It will make you feel a whole lot better about yourself as you bring value to other people.
These are just some of the obvious benefits of becoming a teacher for others. It’s worth mentioning that you shouldn’t go overboard with this – I think the best teachers (and the one’s that I respect the most) are the ones that spend more time “doing” their craft than “teaching” their craft since they are constantly practicing their technique. Some people teach far more than they should – they need to get their hands dirty more often, in my opinion.
Teach others. Accelerate others. Bring value to others. Go!
Great post, Jon, I 100% agree with everything you have said.
I find myself sometimes sharing my story on how I started blogging and writing with students in my journalism classes and it actually surprises me by how passionate I am in speaking to others about the craft. It definitely is beneficial on a large scale, and its fun
most excellent!
You know John we take the things we already know for granted. I know I do speaking candidly, there are so many things people ask me that I should be sharing with others. I do like to share and teach. I am learning to effectively Lead, but that comes in time. Sharing is the key word you mentioned, and it all starts there.
that’s right. let’s get it going!
Great article!
One of the reasons why I started my own blog was as a way to solidify my own thoughts while passing them on to others.
I have also taught seminars and full courses and agree that there is no better way to learn than teaching others. You have to think about things in new ways to be able to pass them on to others.
The other thing that I’ve found is that by talking about best-practices it re-enforces my own commitment to following them myself.
very true! and love the thought about re-enforcement!
I’ve found that teaching has forced me to stretch my knowledge and fill in the gaps I’ve had in some areas. I’ve always heard teachers say that they were the ones that were blessed the most by their own teaching, and I understand it now that I teach.
i can attest to this!
You teach best what you most need to learn.
very interesting. thanks for sharing.
i agree. thought you might want to know.
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Darn it, darn it, darn it. I live in ATL and would have loved to have attended! I would have even travel outside the perimeter
Saw you spoke at the Blogger Meetup too….saw that a week late also. Again I say drat, drat, drat. Give a heads up to us locals!
K
Yes! You should definitely take advantage of joining for these meetups in ATL. I’m always tempted to drive from Louisville down for the events. So for my sake go since I can’t be there.
This is so true! Teaching at a community college for 5 years was a tremendous learning experience and confidence builder. I would question how well anyone knows something if he/she cannot explain it to others. Some people know a lot but can’t teach it to others. I think this is a waste. The motto for my husband’s company says it well: “Knowledge not shared is energy wasted.” Teaching others is a learned skill but well worth the effort.
Thanks for sharing! This is great. And when teaching it opens up the opportunity for feedback that can help craft your skill and idea to make it even better.
Reading this as I head into a speaking engagement at Life College on Social Media for Business. A few of us from CobbSM started a blog for business accountability group to put your advice into practice…
This sounds awesome! What will you all be doing at these accountability groups?
Ben, there are 4 of us from similar yet different industries (photographer, videographer, web developer and marketer). We set goals (via email) and meet over conf call weekly in the morning to discuss what we’ve learned. Goal #1 – select domain name, set up WordPress site, sign up w affiliate companies. Goal #2 – integrate affiliate links into website. Goal #3..TBA.
Good post.
This really punches a hole through the statement “those who can’t do teach.” The last should really resonate with those who call themselves teachers. Our fields of expertise are constantly changing so we need to be consistently immersing ourselves in what we do in order to be able to teach it.
Well said, Mark. I would love to hear more of your thoughts about this!
get involved… but not so that you can’t work on your craft!
I definitely agree with the idea that teaching others will make you more proficient in your craft. I have learned this in my own experience in school. Many times when studying with others for the test, once I explain a concept that I am familiar with, I feel as though I understand the concept even better. It also forces myself to focus my time and attention on these topics, just as the author of the blog mentioned. I also believe that teaching others helps in your growth and development. Great blog!
Thanks for sharing, Lesley! I fully agree with you.
Excellent post, John.
I present a lot, not just training, but as a professional speaker in the youth and educators market (www.kentjulian.com). Your 6 points are right on! What’s more, I’m sure you realize this, but your blogs embrace these 6 points as well.
i’m trying. i can always improve.
the time i dedicate to writing is part of my “teach” and “give back” – why not?