A question I have been getting is: Why did you leave teaching/academia?
I do not consider that I have left teaching. I have not left academia completely; I still do some teaching but not in the classroom on a full-time basis. As I mentioned in Taking the Leap Towards Entrepreneurship, I am thinking of my transition to the coaching profession as becoming a Teacher-to-the -2nd-degree, TeacherSquared.
I will have several posts discussing how coaching is similar and/or different to teaching. Below is the first discussing the set of qualities that are similar.
Here are three things about being a teacher, now a coach, that bring me great satisfaction:
AHA! Moments
Seeing the AHA! of discovery or awareness in a student has always been one of my favorite moments. It doesn’t matter what I was teaching, be it composition, literature, theory, or web design. It is the moment when the student does the work to reach an understanding that they can integrate into previous knowledge and experience that brings me deep satisfaction. Knowing that I have made a difference to help the individual live a better, fuller life–this service is what I consider a teacher.
Coaching clients also experience these AHA! moments. The lessons that clients learn are not scripted according to a structured curriculum and do not fulfill the expectations or agendas of large institutions which at times are at odds with the well-being of the student. The AHA! is truly for the benefit of the client, for their own growth and development.
Exchange of Ideas
I also have always loved the exchange of ideas and knowledge that occurs between teacher and student. Students have been able to share a great deal because of the experiences that they have had. Even though their experiences are quite different from mine, there is always a lesson I can draw from the exchange.
The same happens with clients. One philosophy of the coaching program with which I trained is that we, as coaches, will have the opportunity to work with clients who will have something to teach us. We will share our skill, expertise, and curiosity, but we will also benefit from the client’s learning.
My experience with clients has shown this to be true. I learn, not the same lesson the client is learning, but I learn something from that interaction. It can benefit me by giving me the opportunity to strengthen one of my skills that will then benefit future clients. Or, the lesson can help me gain new awareness regarding an issue that I am dealing with personally.
Culture of Learning and Sharing
One of my favorite activities as a teacher is the opportunity to work with smart people. I relish having a strong relationship with colleagues who are as committed to the profession as I am, colleagues who seek my expertise and experience, and colleagues who gladly share their own learning.
I found this culture of learning and sharing in colleagues who are part of the program with which I trained. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate coaching conference and I was amazed at the openness and strong commitment to learning and self-development. Every single person present shared their years of experience and, most importantly, shared the new directions they were exploring with their coaching.
Stay tuned for more…