Management Training Tips:
The Magical Moment - Taking Advantage of the Teachable Moment
Kevin Eikenberry
Tom, a middle-aged CEO, is experiencing some tough times in his
business. Changes in economic climate and competitors are leaving
him and his team unsure about the validity of their strategy, so he
attends an executive strategy workshop.
Andrea, a mother of two young children, has the chance to hear a
talented female speaker, not too much older than herself, talk about
a topic she is passionate about. In that moment she knows she wants
to be a speaker too. She is crystal clear about this, even though
she has no idea how to make it happen.
Tony is an excited four-year-old who heads outside on the first
warm spring afternoon ready to play with the other neighborhood
kids. The only problem is that none of them want to play. They’re
all zooming around on their bikes. And Tony can’t ride . . . yet.
Tom, Andrea and Tony share something very important. They’re all
living in a management training magical moment.
That management training magical moment could also be known as
"the teachable moment."
The teachable moment is a management training time where
situation, setting and desire come together to create people who
really want to learn something, really need to learn something and
are really open to the new ideas and skills.
It doesn’t matter if the desire comes from something potentially
pleasurable (like Toni’s situation) or something painful or hard
(like Tom’s); whatever the reason, this confluence of factors leads
to willing learners.
These management training moments truly are magical.
And whether you are thinking about them for yourself or trying to
see them in others so that you can be a more effective teacher,
coach, leader and parent, these management training teachable
moments offer a tremendous opportunity.
Here are some ways to take advantage of these opportunities.
•
Look for them. After reading this far, I’m guessing you
can think of several management training times you’ve experienced
this in your life. The good news is that you don’t have to just wait
for them; you can proactively look for them. When you begin to look,
more will show up in your life. You will meet just the right person
to help at just the right time. You will get the perfect experience
to help you see a need for growth and learning.
•
Recognize them. Looking for them is important, but no
more so than noticing when they occur! Recognize the management
training situation when it occurs - how do you feel? What are you
thinking? It’s hard to personally take advantage of the teachable
moments in your life unless you notice them.
•
Take action. When you think of these times in your life
you are usually very motivated by the desire to learn, improve, grow
or solve a problem. Since these are the things that in some way
describe the management training teachable moment, it is important
to recognize that it’s a moment - it’s not a teachable week or
month. Because of that, to capture the magic of the moment, you must
take action! Sign up for the course, apply the feedback, try the
idea; whatever your moment inspires, do it! Every minute that passes
as a passive observant is a moment that keeps you from taking
advantage of it.
•
Notice when you aren’t there. Sometimes you won’t be
open and ready to learn something new. Maybe too many things are
changing and you are overwhelmed. Maybe you don’t feel ready. Maybe
you don’t believe the new information you are receiving. Whatever
the reason, there are times when you aren’t ready to learn something
new. When you know you are in this mental space, it’s best to
acknowledge it and perhaps try to understand why "now isn’t the best
time."
When coaching or giving others feedback
All of these steps are true when you’re trying to teach or coach
someone else. Become a look out or spy - begin spying for teachable
moments. Because when those you coach are in that management
training moment, they are much more likely to succeed in creating
change.
Ask yourself:
•
Is this setting right for feedback?
•
Do I sense an openness and a desire to learn?
•
Does the situation lend itself to coaching, feedback
and/or advice?
These questions will help you diagnose a teachable moment, and
when you coach during these times you will have greatest success.
Potential Pointer: There are management training moments in your
life and the lives of those around you that present a magical
opportunity to learn. These are the times when situation, setting
and desire meet to create tremendous and lasting lessons. As an
individual you must look for these chances and seize them. As a
coach of others you must know how to spot - and use - these moments
for the ultimate success of others.
http://business-management.bestmanagementarticles.com/a-32958-the-magical-moment-taking-advantage-of-the-teachable-moment.aspx
Subject: Management Training
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