William Arthur Ward got it right when he said, “The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, and the great teacher inspires.” His words don’t just apply to teachers, they also hold true for leaders. A leader who inspires his or her team can bring about transformational change, while one who simply tells their team what to do, fails to engage and foster growth in their team. Read on to learn more about the meaning of this quote and how it relates to great leadership.
Let us break down this quote into four parts and understand its true essence:
“The mediocre teacher tells”:
A mediocre teacher is one who simply imparts information without much thought or care towards how it is received by their students. They may rely on rote learning or simply following a prescribed teaching method without catering to individual student needs. Such a teacher may have some success in transmitting information, but the process lacks depth and conviction.
How it relates to leadership: Telling is simply giving instructions without any depth, thought, or consideration for the team. It is a one-way conversation where the focus is only on the desired outcome, without any attention given to how the team can achieve it. Telling lacks any real connection with the team and does not provide room for questions or feedback.
“The good teacher explains”:
A good teacher, on the other hand, goes beyond mere information transmission. They take the time to explain concepts and ideas in a way that is easily understood by their students. A good teacher may use multimedia tools, real-life examples, and analogies to help students grasp complex concepts and connect them to real-world scenarios.
How it relates to leadership: Explaining involves a deeper conversation. It gives the team the necessary information required to carry out the task at hand. However, explaining does not necessarily inspire individuals to go above and beyond.
“The superior teacher demonstrates”:
A superior teacher takes the extra step of demonstrating what they teach. They provide students with hands-on experiences, practical exercises, and visual aids to reinforce learning concepts. This kind of teaching method builds engagement and promotes deeper learning.
How it relates to leadership: Demonstrating takes effective communication to the next level. It involves physically showing the team what they need to do, and setting an example that they can follow. When a leader demonstrates, their team can better understand the intricacies of the task, making it easier to replicate the action. Demonstration can lead to true success, but not without the element of inspiration.
“The great teacher inspires”:
A great teacher goes above and beyond in capturing the hearts and minds of their students. They spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and inspire students to pursue excellence. A great teacher fosters an environment of mutual respect, trust, and understanding, and encourages students to discover their true potential.
How it relates to leadership: Great leaders don’t simply tell, explain, or even demonstrate how things work. They inspire their teams to create and innovate, to be their own leaders, and to go beyond the expectations of their capabilities. Inspiration creates a team that is self-driven, motivated, and most importantly, engaged. When team members are inspired, they bring their own ideas to the table, engaging in a two-way conversation that requires empathy and understanding, leading to creativity, productivity, and most importantly, growth.
But what differentiates a great teacher from a mediocre one?
The answer lies in the power of inspiration. A great teacher takes the time to understand the unique needs and abilities of each student and goes the extra mile to create meaningful learning experiences. They connect with their students on a personal and emotional level and motivate them to reach for their dreams. A great teacher is not content with just transmitting knowledge; they strive to ignite a lifelong love of learning in their students.
How it relates to leadership: Great leaders use their heart and soul to inspire. They tap into what motivates their team, pushing them to greater heights, and create a conducive environment for their team to thrive. They focus on the strengths of their team, supporting them in reaching their full potential. A great leader makes themselves available to their team, acknowledging them and ensuring that they feel valued. Such a leader cultivates trust, enabling their team to have open communication, which in turn leads to collective problem-solving.
Conclusion:
The art of teaching embodies the true essence of education – to inspire, empower, and transform learners into confident, innovative, and independent individuals. Similarly, great leadership is not about telling or directing, instead, it is about inspiring and engaging, leading by example, and creating an environment that is supportive and allows a team to thrive. In our ever-evolving world, the role of a great teacher or leader has become more critical than ever before. The ability to inspire and engage others in meaningful ways is paramount to the success of an educator or leader. The quote by William Arthur Ward highlights the essence of great leadership, opening the doors to the numerous possibilities that come with a team that is inspired. So, move beyond simply telling and start inspiring your team today. It may seem like a simple change, but it can make all the difference in the world. Share your strategies below and let’s create a ripple effect of inspiration and transformation. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our teams.
