Part 1 - The Dance of Instruction: Affecting Change or Impeding Growth?
What allows individuals to grow and affect change? There are parallel " patterns of growth" in every learning environment, whether in relationships, employee development, working with clients, expanding spiritual awareness or physical performance in sports or yoga. Let's explore two core components in affecting change - three extreme styles of instruction and the student's process to progress.
3 Styles of Instruction
1. The Dictatorship or Drill Sergeant. This style is prevalent in The Marines and military. This is about leadership by intimidation, command and forcing. The recipients of this style often perform out of fear, trying to mimic what is expected of them. This style assumes and expects that the student is fully capable of the task at hand. There is more of a focus on what is "not right", and there is little empathy and forgiveness for the task not done to perfection. There is often an air of righteousness, sarcasm, ego, and condescension from the instructor. While the instructions are often accurate, the callous attitude can be annoying to the student and impede optimal progress. A command of "do it this way, do it this way, do it this way", is not effective if the student isn't clear what "this way" means. Where have you experienced or expressed this style in your life? A boss? A nagging spouse? A Yoga Instructor?
2. Leadership. A true leader is in tune with the thinking of the student's mind, and thus is more effective at leading the individual to the desired result. Stating the target goal alone is not leadership. Creating the result is. A good leader understands the challenges the student is experiencing, and offers individualized coaching and instruction to assist the student in discovering the learning within themselves. This style is used by exemplary managers, executives, yoga instructors and professional life coaches. It's not about making the individual wrong. True leadership has compassion, while simultaneously challenging the student to exceed their previous limitations. When a student isn't "getting" the learning...it's up to the instructor to try a different approach to meet the mind of the student or client or employee, so that growth can occur. This is distinctly different from the black and white approach of the "drill sergeant", with little flexibility and creativity. Where have you experienced or demonstrated leadership? What learning environments met you where you were at, yet invited you into a greater potential? A fabulous yoga instructor. Tony Robbins or another seminar leader. A phenomenal business or life coach. An experienced business leader.
3. Lackadaisical - This is NOT an effective instructional style. It is named as another extreme instructional style because unfortunately, it is common in our world. This style assumes the individual KNOWS what to do, and the instructor kicks back and coasts...usually saying and contributing little to nothing to affect improvement. They hold low standards and allow their students to do their own thing. The lackadaisical instructor may even be amazed when their team doesn't perform, as they ASSUME everyone knows what to do. I've seen an air of haughtiness in this style. The self-driven individual may continue to challenge themselves for awhile, however without an outside influence will likely plateau or dip below their previous standards. I personally find this style frustrating in a yoga instructor, as it distracts me from giving my best, allows my mind to wander and gives me too much permission to get sloppy and lazy. Where have you experienced "lackadaisical" instruction? A poor manager? A friend that agrees with everything you say? An inexperienced yoga instructor?
The reality is most instructors dance between these three styles, perhaps more weighted in one. However, the "instructional style" may vary based on context. Think about what your instruction style is in various areas of your life. You may be a superior leader at work, revert to the drill sergeant with your children and spouse, and be lackadaisical with yourself regarding your health. What's true for you?
Part 2:
The Dance of Progress
Let's look at The 4 Key Steps to Creating Progress. I'm going to use yoga as the primary metaphor, while interweaving other relevant examples. Apply the following keys to an area of life you're striving to improve upon, whether you practice yoga or not. Is there a bad habit you're trying to break or a new habit you're trying to form? Is there a leadership quality you're working on developing?
1. Listening is #1. Doing a specific yoga posture requires LISTENING to the instructions of the teacher. Sure, that sounds simple, doesn't it? Well - yes and no. As many students experience in a yoga class, staying present to the instruction of an instructor can be challenging - particularly at first. Whether experienced or not, you may hear a phrase and get caught up in your head thinking, "they want me to do what?" Or maybe you start focusing on the heat in the room, or a problem that occurred earlier in the day. If your attention isn't able to let the words in, it's difficult to make much progress because you're operating with partial instruction. How well are you LISTENING for guidance? Are the words you read registering? Are you taking in the feedback from your boss or spouse?
2. Understanding the Instruction. After the initial shock of a new instruction wears off, one can begin to understand more deeply the intent of the words. I've often listened well, however I don't understand 100% of what the words are conveying. My body or being may not have a reference point for understanding yet. I may actually think I'm doing the posture the right way, and become confused when corrected by the instructor. Sometimes a demonstration is useful in aiding understanding. In the business environment it may be about defining words more clearly. Stating to a team member that you expect them to demonstrate more "leadership", or "be more pro-active", or "improve communication" may sound useful, however these words are elusive and broad concepts. Jargon is another culprit in impeding understanding. So, while an employee or yoga student may be present to the words, listening intently to the instruction, and be eager to perform - if it's not clearly UNDERSTOOD, progress will be hampered. Good leaders are effective in creating understanding through the use of metaphors, creative instruction, and have a clear perception of their student's mind. Are you in tune with the "common thoughts" of those you mentor? Do you understand their perspective? Meet them where they're at...and give them the very step next.
3. Getting the Body to Follow. This is what the practice of yoga (and life) is all about. We hear the words, we understand "pull the left hip forward", "extend the chest", "point the toes", or "be a leader", but until our bodies somehow step into that experience, the understanding of the instruction remains an intellectual concept in the head. I can tell you countless times that I've stretched into a posture slightly differently, and thought "oh, THIS is what they meant by THAT". When the body follows, a new level of understanding clicks in. It's exciting to experience those breakthroughs. In some cases, such as establishing a new habit of "walking or meditating daily" getting the body to follow is simply an act of willpower and intention. In the case of yoga, it may take years to allow your body to open to a particular posture. While there aren't physical restrictions in developing leadership qualities, there can be emotional blocks which take time to overcome. Deepening understanding through education, combined with the opportunities for practice are key to cultivating any behavior.
4. Doing It Consistently. Experience + Guidance + Compassion - Ultimately leads to success. Practice, practice, practice. Unfortunately, often time it's not enough to do something just once. Hence, the importance of practice and having effective leadership to direct efforts. In my Bikram yoga practice, there are two balancing postures that I've struggled with for a year. Both postures require a locked standing leg. I've listened to the instruction, I understand it, and I've had my body successfully hold the posture. However, sometimes my body doesn't perform the way I'd like it to. I have not mastered it, and therefore sporadically my knee compromises the posture. Some things in life, can be easily mastered, and others require consistent conscious intention and exceptional leadership to break the previous standards. A great leader is a great leader because they've developed it consistently over time.
Tying It All Together
I began my yoga practice a year ago in southern California. While I absolutely LOVED that studio, it leans more in the style of "drill sergeant", particularly as it relates to my two most challenging postures. I moved, and for the past 6 months have practiced yoga in San Jose where the "leadership" style is most prevalent. At first, I missed the stringent nature of my first studio, however I was quickly delighted as I learned new distinctions and made marked progress. It felt that they were more connected to my internal struggle, and through that connection were able to offer words I'd never heard before. It made a huge difference. All I heard at the first studio was, "lock your knee, lock your knee...and hold it". I really wanted to keep my knee locked. But, I needed more instruction because as hard as I tried, my body wasn't cooperating. Thus, I struggled and struggled. In San Jose, a variety of teachers have offered additional tips, meeting me where I was -- instead of just "expecting" me to get it. I'm now able to hold the two postures for the duration -- almost consistently. It's amazing.
Contrasting Styles
Last week, I revisited my former yoga studio and felt the sharp contrast in instructional style. More importantly, I noticed its affect on my performance -- even after my aptitude had improved significantly. That subtle edge of disappointment and criticism in the "drill sergeant" instructor style created more nervousness, caused me to rebel and was deflating. In two other yoga sessions, I experienced the "lackadaisical" and "leadership". Each creates a different set of internal patterns, responses and RESULTS. While this article was inspired through my yoga practice, the principles apply across the board. I invite you to look for examples in your own life, and notice what is true for you.
"The Drill Sergeant", "Leadership" and "The Lackadaisical" reveal themselves in numerous contexts in our lives. In both the "The Drill Sergeant" and "The Lackadaisical" there is a LACK of alignment between instructor and student. If you're in a leadership role, continue to explore how "in tune" you are with the thinking of those you lead. You'll create more progress. More importantly be patient with yourself in this process called learning. Be patient with your students, as they strive to understand and integrate the learning flawlessly. And, be patient with your instructors, as they too are doing the best they can. It's all a dance. We're all striving to get the learning in our bones...and doing the best we can. |
