Teach to Their Needs, Not Yours

Have you ever attempted to teach someone else how to tie a shoe? It seems like a simple task we all mastered in our youth. After all, we've been doing it for years. But when you pause to consider the steps involved and the dexterity required, it's far more challenging than it initially seems. This reality became apparent to me firsthand when I recently tried to teach my child to tie his shoe. What began as a seemingly straightforward lesson quickly evolved into a significant challenge. 

Initially, I found myself facing the common pitfalls of teaching: assuming everyone learns the same way I do. As I demonstrated the process, I realized we were approaching it from my perspective, not his. Adjusting my stance and explanation only got us so far before frustration set in. Turning to YouTube for assistance yielded no better results. 

It wasn't until I handed him off to my mom in exasperation that progress was made. Within a day, he had mastered the skill, humming a little tune to himself as he tied his shoes. When asked, he explained the "shoe tying song" with bunnies and loops—a method entirely foreign to me but perfectly suited to him. Reflecting on this experience, I couldn't help but draw parallels to training in the workplace.

How often do we, as managers, attempt to teach based solely on our own understanding, disregarding the individual needs of our team members?

Too often we persist with our methods until frustration sets in, failing to recognize the importance of adapting our approach. 

Each employee brings a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences to the table. As facilitators of learning, it's our responsibility to meet them where they are, not where we think they should be. Just as my son responded to a musical approach, your team members may thrive with visual aids, interactive exercises, or hands-on demonstrations. 

As a manager responsible for guiding your team through new concepts and skills, embracing flexibility and empathy in teaching is key. It's an ongoing journey of self-awareness and adaptation. So, whether you're onboarding new hires or upskilling existing staff, remember to incorporate a variety of teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles. 

Incorporate visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and other forms of learning into your training programs. By doing so, you not only enhance engagement and retention but also foster an inclusive learning environment where everyone can succeed. 

So, the next time you find yourself in the role of the teacher, pause and consider: are you teaching to their needs, or simply imposing your own? Embrace the challenge of tailoring your instruction for the success of your team and watch as they thrive like never before. After all, it's not about teaching them how you learn—it's about helping them learn how they learn best.