every leader should learn what it takes to make a great teacher

Over the years, many students have thanked me for my help.

I have heard such things as, “If it wasn’t for you,” or “You changed my life,” which always makes me smile, but I always tell them that I should be the one thanking them.

They were the ones who did the work, all I did was guide them along the journey.

Still, knowing that I impacted their lives positively always reminds me how much I love my job.

Nearly everyone of us can remember those people that made a great difference in our lives.

It could have been the kind words of a teacher, a friend’s story, or a parent’s love, but regardless of who has touched our lives they share many of the same qualities.

I’m sure you know many of them, but here are a few of the qualities that I came up with that I believe make up a great teacher:

1. Care
2. Honesty
3. Humility
4. Humor
5. Creativity
6. Intelligence
7. Ability to inspire others
8. Courage

Among these, two qualities stand out to me – care and honesty.

First and foremost, they must genuinely care about our well-being.

Without students feeling that their teachers care, there is little motivation for most students to give it their best.

Second, teachers must give it to us straight; the good and the bad. The only way we can improve is if we have fair, honest reviews of our work.

It might not be easy to hear some things, but if we know our teachers have our best interests at heart, then it’s out of love that they are challenging us to be better.

Mentors, teachers, parents and friends all have the chance to make a profound influence on our lives but only a select few will.

For anyone serious about success, it’s important that we make sure we stay around those people as much as possible.

Adrian Shepherd