Remember the excitement when you learned how to do something new for the first time. Like riding a bike, cooking a new dish or a new on-line game.
In the beginning, you may have been frustrated because you “didn’t know” something. Then you might have become upset as you tried to learn the new skill. That feeling probably turned to joy as you mastered the new skill.
One of the best times for you to teach a new skill to somebody else is when you too have recently mastered how to do it. An “old pro” is good too but the newbie has a great sense of enthusiasm.
For example, a parent showing a child how to ride a bike for the first time can do it (with patience). However, a child who recently learned how to handle and ride a bike will teach another kid how to ride…and that teacher-kid will be excited and motivating. The parent doing the same teaching will mostly be frustrated.
Leaders know that they are better off having others who recently acquired a new skill or those who just accomplished a tough task do the job of teaching or showing others how. Making the connection for the new learner with the recent learner creates magic and success. That is how you become a master leader. Help make those connections and stop doing all the work. Lead.
