Being Book Smart

...isn’t good enough anymore.

There was a time (not that long ago) when the demonstration of knowledge, recital of facts and being able to do this efficiently gave us a significant advantage in terms of being chosen to do work and then also doing it. But with the advent of the internet, information flows freely to everyone. And the ability to know more than another isn’t scarce anymore…this advantage is lost.

The new (and it can be argued even the old) advantage is earned through the mastery of engagement skills, people skills…real skills. Beyond the the expertise of a subject is the ability to talk about it, to be humble about it, to show passion for it, and to persuade others why it’s important. The ability to make change happen doesn’t come from a book…or from the internet for that matter. It comes from the ability to lead through connection and engagement with people.

Books are a wonderful part of the learning process. But books alone are not the answer to meaningful change. It’s what we do with those facts and how we affect others with our knowledge that matters. Please read books. Then start a book club.

What's It for?

Schools continue to teach students how to use a fax machine. Of course it's silly. But it happens. It happens because leading change is hard. It’s easier to maintain the status quo than convincing peers, bosses and going through the hard work and possible humility of changing a system. But also it’s about misunderstanding…what teaching is for. The fax machine is but one possible solution to a problem. The focus shouldn’t be on the fax machine. The point should be to let the students determine the most efficient, cost effective way to transfer documents and information between parties…to learn how to solve the problem. At a minimum list all the tools available and let them find their own way. My guess is the fax machine would end up somewhere near the telegraph. And maybe, just maybe the teacher would learn a new way…from the students.

What’s it for?…probably the most important question a teacher can ask…before they start teaching.

What are Teachers For?

Simple test to see if you are en effective teacher…do people listen to you because they have to, or because they want to? Do they trust you? How do you know? Are their eyes shining (hat tip to Ben Zander)? Do they lean in, or out…are they engaged?

Teaching isn’t a gift…it’s a choice. It’s a choice to put people first and to see them each individually. It’s a choice to understand them and to build trust and connection first…then to lead them to a future they can’t see for themselves. And it’s almost certain this isn’t wrapped up in a text book. 

Books, smart boards, libraries, ACT's and Chromebooks don’t teach…people do.

What is Teaching For?

to lead change

to be generous

to see individuals

to enroll people to see things differently and seek change

to create enthusiasm for subject matter

Ultimately...to create teachers

And the beat goes on...

Why Learn Excel?

To help you pass the class? To help you seem smarter to your boss? To help you make your parents happy?

What if? This is the true power of Excel and all of the other spreadsheet programs. VisiCalc and Lotus 1-2-3 were the predecessors and they changed the world of presenting the What If idea. Prior to spreadsheet software, most of these calculations were done manually on ledger paper. Changing any one value to see how it affected the outcome required a healthy amount of erasers, calculator tape and time. Anyone old enough to recall that drudgery immediately understands the revolution of this software. But in the end...the power was in the ability to create information from raw data (a presentable idea) and cause change...in a fraction of the time.

Alas, Excel is merely a computerized tool...software created to make calculations more efficient. You can live without it for sure. But if you’re in the business of presenting ideas and creating change (and almost everyone is), it’s very likely a spreadsheet will make your life much, much easier.  One more thing...it’s a common worldview that proficiency with a spreadsheet means you're smarter. And this is a powerful advantage in gaining acceptance of an idea and making change. People trust smart people and are more likely to listen to what they have to say.

Learn and use Excel to change the world. Learn the =sum function to pass the test.

Why Some Teachers Fail

Teachers fail when they can’t get a student enrolled in the idea, not when they can’t get students to understand the concept and pass the exam. Too often teaching starts out with the what instead of the why. And even the Why gives people trouble. The real why is rarely immediate. The real why takes imagination, experience and isn’t easy to see...otherwise we wouldn’t need teachers. The real why has nuance and feeling...and it isn’t easy to test.

Great teachers create a vision and an outcome so compelling, students can’t wait to go there. Great teachers enroll their students in an idea first, then engage them to create a path to achieve the outcome. 

Turns out, when a person wants to go somewhere badly enough, they’ll find a way. Sometimes their own way, but they will get there.

Bonus: The same principles apply to Leadership. Managers know the plan and understand the prescribed steps necessary to achieve it. Their job is to follow the plan and do it with the least amount of resources possible...Do it exactly like this and you’ll be valued. The leader on the other hand uses imagination and vision to see an outcome people desire. Then they engage and challenge a group to get there.

Why Learn About Prepositions?

To get good grades?

To pass a test?

Not really…to spread ideas and create change.

The ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing gives you a significant advantage in being heard, trusted and invited into the conversation. There is plenty of meaningful work, creation and invention coming from people who aren’t proficient communicators. But imagine what the world might look like if their ideas spread…if the stage was larger. Imagine how they might inspire and teach others to do the same. Turns out being seen as smart has more to do with moving the idea along than creating the idea in the first place. Make no mistake, competency is a powerful world view.   

Choose yourself for a spot on the stage where you can make change happen. Learn to communicate well...practice a lot.

Education

...isn’t something that is done to you. It’s something you do for yourself. After about the 8th grade it’s a choice. The only requirements for learning are an open mind and pride…an attitude of improving self worth. That’s why we were all so good at it when we were three. We hadn’t created all of the other barriers yet.

School Should Be For...

• creating generosity and making change.
• developing leaders who know how to solve interesting problems…to change something for the better.
• inspiring people to be generous, to connect with and to serve others

School should not be for…

• memorizing the Bill of Rights
• getting a really good ACT score
• creating the facade that a degree entitles you to a great job or higher salary
• developing a famous athletics program

If the activity, curriculum or program doesn’t directly facilitate the development of generous leaders who can solve interesting problems and affect change…it should probably be changed or removed. 

What does success look like…

If there’s not a waiting list (or at least a demonstrated desire) to enroll in the journey, i.e., the class, with a teacher or the school…there’s work to be done. If it’s not being talked about…change it. Start by asking…What is the for? And for Whom?