Are You Hesitant to Teach?

Let me ask it a different way. What motivates you to get up on the platform and speak? Why are you compelled to write that book or create that online E-course? The answer I usually get from Christian leaders stems from a deep God given desire to make a difference and see transformation in the lives of their listeners. Yes, and amen!! I love this!! But what happens next in conversation is interesting. . . 

"How do you know your audience understood your message?". This is where people usually get stuck. The reality is, most of us don’t know. We tend to measure our effectiveness by “How did I do and how did it go?” rather than “Did I equip them, and did they learn?”. Can you see the difference? The first set of questions are speaker centric, the next are learner focused. And this brings up all manner of hesitation to truly teach. 

Talking is easy, but a learner-centric approach challenges the traditional lecture style most of us are accustomed to. However, facing our personal fears and insecurities is the crucial first step toward achieving the deep transformation we aim for our audience to experience!

Here are the top five hesitations leaders typically share with me as they seek to enhance their teaching methods. Can you relate to any of the following?

1. Relinquishing Control

Handing over control to the audience and putting learners in the driver’s seat can be intimidating. Leaders fear losing control of the session and are concerned about discussions getting out of hand. Yet, effective teaching often involves creating space for learners to engage and interact. Encouraging participation can lead to richer discussions and deeper understanding.

2. Fear of Disappointment and Lack of Knowledge

Many leaders worry that they will disappoint their audience or be unable to answer questions. This fear stems from a concern about appearing inadequate or unknowledgeable. However, teaching is not about having all the answers but about facilitating learning and growth. Leaders embracing the opportunity to learn alongside their audience, demonstrating that it’s okay not to know everything, can be a profoundly impactful experience for learners. 

4. Sacrificing Content

Leaders are often reluctant to give up some content to make space for learners to engage. They fear not covering everything they had planned. However, teaching isn’t about delivering a perfect monologue but about ensuring that learners grasp and can apply the material. Quality over quantity is a powerful step forward. 

3. Avoiding Feedback

Some leaders avoid leaving room for discussion at the end of a session for fear of receiving negative feedback. They fear that people either didn't grasp the material or, worse, learned nothing at all. This avoidance can hinder growth and improvement. Embracing feedback, even if it’s critical, is essential for developing more effective teaching strategies.

5. Public Speaking Anxiety

Public speaking can be daunting, leading to nervousness, stammering, and stage fright. These anxieties can make leaders reluctant to teach. Overcoming this requires practice and a shift in mindset. Remember, the goal is not to deliver a flawless performance but to ensure your audience learnt something!

What If You Shifted the Focus?

Effective teaching requires vulnerability and a willingness to let go of personal insecurities. By focusing on learners' needs and creating interactive, engaging environments, leaders can overcome fears and become impactful teachers. Remember, it's not about how well you perform, but how well your audience is able to receive and apply what you teach. Embrace discomfort by relinquishing control, fostering open discussions, and welcoming feedback—these are catalysts for transformation!

Reflect on why you hesitate to adopt a learner-centric approach. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any barriers hindering genuine transformation in your learners' lives.

Share your experiences, insights, and challenges with fellow leaders who are on this journey with you. Let's nurture a community of effective and influential teachers committed to fostering genuine transformation

Ready to embark on this journey with me? Let's grow together.