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Conditions of Being a Good Teacher

In 1979, through an incredible, unforgettable encounter with a book store clerk, I acquired a copy of a book, “A Course in Miracles.”

It took me seven years to read the book the first time. The second time I read it, it took only two years. I continue to be deeply moved by what I read and squarely see that the more I read it, the more I understand.

Without trying to describe the format or how the book came to be published, I want to share a simple “moment of insight” with you from the book.

p. 47-48 “A good teacher clarifies his own ideas and strengthens them by teaching them. Teacher and pupil are alike in the learning process. They are in the same order of learning, and unless they share their lessons conviction will be lacking. A good teacher must believe in the ideas he teaches, but he must also meet another condition; he must believe in the students to whom he offers the ideas.”

What are the two conditions for being a “good teacher?” The first is easy to remember. The second easy to forget in the sea of daily activities and leadership obligations.

As a leader, can you identify a person(s) in your followership on who you have given up? Can you for just a moment take the time to re-establish your belief in that person and what they are capable of being?

Now that you have done that, what is the difference in what you said to that person(s) “yesterday” and what you will say today? Your willingness to believe in that person(s) issues an invitation to that person(s) to live up to your belief.

See the very best in your followership, hold them accountable for your expectations, and train them up to their potential.

Haydn Hasty, Ph.D., President