The Art of Teaching and Learning
Eye-opening podcast
This morning's journey to work was an enlightening auditory experience, thanks to the diverse world of podcasts available on Spotify. As usual, I tuned into one of my go-to series - a real estate podcast by iherng, which always offers fresh perspectives and valuable insights into the property market.
As the first podcast ended and I was navigating through the bustling city streets, Spotify played a serendipitous surprise from my library - an episode from a podcast I subscribed to a while ago but hadn't gotten around to listening. It was "Learning The Art of Communication" and it turned out to be a gem of a find.
The Art of Teaching
"Teaching is part of a mastery. When you teach something, you get better at it."
This simple yet profound statement encapsulates a timeless truth in the journey of learning and expertise. Teaching isn’t just about conveying information; it’s an art that involves breaking down complex concepts into simpler, more digestible pieces. This process of distillation is where true mastery begins to shine. This really resonates with a quote by Albert Einstein - “If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.” Little do we know, we are always teaching because it is part of the learning process.
The Dynamics of Teaching Rights: Experience vs. Fresh Perspective
"How and when does one truly earn the right to teach?"
This question recently surfaced in a debate about whether a recent graduate is qualified to mentor an intern. The dilemma: should we rely on highly experienced individuals who may have lost touch with the beginner's challenges, or should the task fall to someone closer to the intern's own level of experience?
This conundrum highlights a key aspect of teaching and mentorship: relevance. Sometimes, a person who has recently navigated the same path can offer more relatable and practical advice than a seasoned expert. Their recent experiences as an intern mean they can empathize with current interns, understanding their struggles and offering recent, actionable advice. This perspective is invaluable and often overlooked in traditional mentorship models.
The discussion also sheds light on the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, especially among those new to their careers. Many hesitate to take on teaching or mentoring roles, feeling unqualified despite their fresh experiences and perspectives. It's crucial to recognize that teaching is also a learning experience, benefiting the mentor as much as the mentee. Embracing these opportunities can be a powerful step in overcoming self-doubt and contributing meaningfully to someone else's growth.
Understanding the Types of Mentors: Aspirational and Pragmatic
In mentorship, we often encounter two primary types: aspirational and pragmatic mentors. Aspirational mentors are those who inspire us with their achievements and success. They are often several steps ahead in their careers, offering a vision of what we might aspire to become. While their guidance is inspiring, it can sometimes feel distant or disconnected from our immediate challenges.
On the other hand, pragmatic mentors are usually only a few steps ahead in their career journey. They provide a more relatable model and often offer more practical, immediate advice. Their proximity to our current stage makes them more approachable, and the advice they offer is usually directly applicable. This type of mentorship is crucial for practical skill development and navigating the immediate challenges of a career path.
Balancing these two types of mentors can provide a well-rounded mentorship experience. While aspirational mentors give us a goal to strive for, pragmatic mentors help us with the steps we need to take right now. In your personal and professional development, seek to connect with both types of mentors for a more comprehensive growth journey.
Key Takeaway: Embracing Mutual Growth Through Mentorship
In light of these insights, my personal mission is to actively seek and forge connections with individuals who can serve as pragmatic mentors. I am eager to discover mentors who are not only a few steps ahead in their journey but also those who can offer practical guidance and relatable experiences. My goal is to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship where both mentor and mentee can grow and learn from each other.