Teaching brings many great blessings.
The obvious one is watching people use the skills you pass on to help fulfil their ambitions.
That’s largely why I created my Cambridge University course, Compelling Communication Skills.
And I’ve been delighted to see so many alumni benefiting from what they’ve learned.
.
But there's another, rather less appreciated aspect of teaching.
From your position at the front of the room (whether virtual or boring old three-dimensional real life)…
You get to learn so much about the way the world works.
.
I’m lucky that I teach brilliant people from all around the globe.
Some who have already made an impact on the world.
Many who will clearly go on to do so.
And I’ve noticed one trait which is common amongst the top performers:
- They are never ever satisfied
.
It’s important to emphasise I don’t mean that in a negative way.
Not that they’re greedy, or demanding, or unpleasant.
No, I mean it as a great compliment.
That, no matter how well they are doing, how successful…
They always think they can do better.
.
It’s been humbling, the high flying people I’ve been privileged to work with on the course.
Medical consultants, charity leaders, United Nations staff, London Stock Exchange financiers, barristers and solicitors, entrepreneurs, teachers and lecturers, I could go on and on…
All have done well in life so far.
But all, no matter already how successful, want to improve themselves and be even better.
Hence that beautiful, precious trait, to continually improve.
Which brings me to the happiest moment of the week, probably the month, and quite likely several months.
.
Inga Vyšniauskienė is the founder of a public speaking and presentations consultancy in Lithuania.
Plenty successful enough, doing great work, much appreciated and admired…
Inga still felt she could do better in her professional life, saying:
My speeches were relatively good but they were not powerful. I wanted more than simply ‘good’.
A more interactive, authentic, bolder myself. A sense of power and confidence.
.
She enrolled on the course, was a delight to work with, and very kind about what she learnt:
Compelling Communication Skills course did empower me. And now I do want more stages. And larger ones, please.
We’ve kept in touch, as I'm very glad to with many of our lovely learners.
.
But here's the punchline. This week, I got a message from Inga.
All I really need to do is show you the photo she sent:
But were that not enough to make my heart glow, Inga was also kind enough to write:
Here is a piece of news to bring tears to your eyes and a proud course Leader’s smile to your face.
The power of language in women’s leadership – in New York, in July. Me. As a speaker…
But for the course and your (as well as Sarah’s, Clare’s (two of our brilliant tutors)) extensive support and encouragement, I would have never had courage for this.
Thank you!
.
I’m still smiling away now.
For Inga‘s success, for making a little difference in the world myself…
And for the heartfelt admiration of that beautiful, critical trait of endless self improvement.
