Leaders and Teachers: Drawing parallels
In India, today(5th September) we celebrate teacher’s day to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country’s first Vice President and former President, scholar, philosopher, and Bharat Ratna awardee, who was born on this day in 1888.
Today’s article also like the earlier one, stemmed from a conversation with my children over weekend where they were actively planning to make the day special for their teacher on teacher’s day. Our teachers are often some of the earliest leaders we encounter in life.
Today I am going to write about some of the leadership lessons that we can learn from teachers and how I relate to my own career journey where I also had the opportunity to observe some amazing leaders up close.
Inspire and motivate: Depending on how they teach and make subjects engaging, our interest in those topics begins to develop. Teachers inspire and engage their students in a way that ignites curiosity and interest in learning. This ability to inspire and motivate others is a crucial leadership quality that can be applied in various contexts, not just in education but also in business, community, and personal leadership.
Lead and guide: Teachers guide students in their learning journey, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Leaders lead their teams from the front, setting clear objectives and helping them succeed in their roles.
Influence and impact: Teachers shape the minds and abilities of their students.
Lead by example: Both leaders and teachers set an example through their behavior, work ethic, and values, which can profoundly influence others.
Continuous Learning: Both leaders and teachers engage in continuous learning. Leaders stay informed about industry trends and leadership strategies, while teachers update their knowledge and teaching methods to remain effective.
Communication: They are able to convey their ideas clearly, listen to feedback, and adapt their approach to meet the needs of their audience, whether it’s a team or a classroom.
Empathy and Understanding: Leaders need to understand the needs and concerns of their team members, while teachers must recognise the unique challenges and abilities of each student.
Accountability: Leaders and teachers are accountable for their actions and the outcomes they produce. They are responsible for the well-being and development of their followers or students and must answer for their decisions and performance.
Adaptability: Both leaders and teachers need to be adaptable. They must adjust their strategies and methods to accommodate changes in their environment, whether it’s a shifting market for leaders or evolving educational needs for teachers.
Problem-solving: Leaders and teachers encounter challenges and problems in their roles. They must both be adept at identifying issues, developing solutions, and making decisions that benefit their followers or students.
In summary, leaders and teachers share many common qualities and responsibilities, including the ability to influence, guide, motivate, communicate, and adapt. Both roles are integral to personal and societal development, as they shape individuals and organisations for the future.
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Preethi Guruswamy Sobhitha Neelanath Surabhi Kumari Divya Rao Deeksha Jaiswal Shilpi Mitra
