Teachable Moments

In the educating of the young/children, you will oft hear of the term “teachable moments”.

Some have even gone a step further to say that one of the most important skills to nurture as a parent or educator, is the ability to recognize and capitalize on these teachable moments in everyday life, which can happen almost anywhere.

And many of these are important lessons pertaining to values, morals and ethics.

My wife just blogged about such a moment with our son this week arising from an episode from his badminton training session last week - about staying focused and not giving up until the game is over.

What is the relevance of this to adults, working life, corporations and businesses you ask?

In my trainings, I always endeavour to facilitate learning for my participants as I take them on a journey of discovery and awareness - whatever the topic, be it team development, conflict management or leadership.

This is done by encouraging the recounting and sharing of their own workplace experiences, as these occasions present countless teachable moments - those that arise from failures or successes, customer praises or criticisms.

The question is - Are leaders, managers and supervisors seizing on these opportunities to model the desired behaviours they want to see within the organisation?

Are they using these moments to coach and mentor to motivate high performers or help the under-achievers?

Are they leveraging on them to recognise talent as well as help develop and retain said talent?

Parents naturally want the best for their children.

Hopefully we also want the best for our staff and subordinates and by seizing on these “corporate teachable moments”, it will translate to a more engaged and motivated workforce that consistently performs and achieves the desired objectives of the organisation.

Use that “teachable moment” the next time it presents itself.