Quite often the jockey doesn’t make the best horse trainer, just as the best therapist does not necessarily make the best teacher. My greatest learning has come to me through the mistakes I have made.
I am often asked how I have become the teacher I am, where did I learn my teaching style. My advice to my instructors is to openly share your mistakes so they are no longer your weaknesses; they are now everyone’s learning. To deny your failings may isolate you and closes the opportunity for others to share their experiences. To admit to these increases the opportunity for students to bond with you.
Closing your mind also shuts down the opportunity of communication with your students.
Many of my experiences are the foundation of many of my stories. I have repeatedly been told that my stories had the greatest impact on many students learning, that the moves were just the mechanics.
It’s from my misjudgments that I got my best learning that now allows me to share with others.
For people to say you are wrong leaves you with the responsibility with what has been done – to admit a mistake, on the other hand, allows you the opportunity to change.
At 44 I was willing to share, but I didn’t consider that I was a good teacher. Now, in my 60’s, I believe I have done my apprenticeship, and through sharing my experiences I now believe I am a better teacher and I look forward to improving even more.
Ross Emmett October 2009