Kemble:
You can learn a lot from your students... I taught for five years... I was Class President, the Student Body Social chairperson and I have always been really focused on my goals, once I defined them. And, you have to decide what is important to you, and prioritize. Making a difference in Kids' lives was very important to me, but I can still do that on a daily basis, because God always sends me these kids to be a big sister to... but I have been able to learn more from them than they learn from me, I think. And, one of the most important lessons, is to keep thinking young. Be open to new, creative ideas and look at the trends. And, learn from your mistakes. Don't make them twice.
I listen well and I learn from other people. I also read more than I should. Believe it or not, my boss tells me that I think too much and I read too much! Can you imagine? I might have missed buying Dell, if I had not been such a voracious reader. I have learned so much from my boss. I have worked for him for almost six years and he has mentored me, but he thinks like a 55 year-old man... and he is 55. He is not progressive, in many ways. Sometimes, he surprises me, because he is creative and he has so much to teach me. He has had a very successful broadcasting career, with one of the major groups. One of the things he has taught me is to have a life and not be so serious about work. He wants me to relax more. And, I am great at relaxing, but he has given me so much responsibility, so I take it seriously.
So, I have sought out the out-of-the box thinkers at my company. I am one of the few, but they do exist. We have a lot of linear thinkers, so we creative people stick together.
So, stay young in your actions. I am sure you are an incredible mentor to your students and you have been able to gain a lot from them as well. I can relate. God keeps sending me these kids... One of my friends, Charlie, is a second little brother to me. I used to tutor him and drive him to school. He just quit his job at Silicon Graphics, because he is trying to find something that he is passionate about... and I admire him for doing that... he has taught me so much since he was in the 9th grade and I was in my early 20's. He just had the most incredible attitude about life and such a heart for people and God.
I can always learn from others... and I have learned that Dell is one of the best decisions I ever made. I know you must have a number of stories... and I am sure your students think of you as one of those coaches/teachers who have made a difference in their lives. I want to be that kind of person!
And, so I recommend Dell... how's that for good advice?
LW |
