What is Your Student:Teacher Ratio?

I know that this isn't revolutionary idea but I want to make a statement and then explore its implications: learning is a lifelong process. I'm sure you've heard this before. After you graduate from a traditional school, you should still keep up on your field. You should attend a seminar here and there, maybe read a book or two. Even though you've attained the degree that makes you somewhat of an expert in your field, you need to keep a fresh mind in order to maintain that 'expert' status.

I want to make another statment: learning is a way of life. Maybe this one doesn't sound so familiar to you. What I mean by this is that learning is not only reading books and attending seminars. It is an attitude that we can integrate into all we do. When we approach a specific task, do we assume we already know everything about it or do we seek to understand it more? Do we approach the obstacles in our lives as teachers or as students? I would like to propose that successful people will endeavor to be students more often than teachers. Why? Well, here are a few qualities that student possesses:

1. A student asks. Students have insatiable curiosities. They are always asking questions, always wanting to know more. They are not afraid to look unintelligent because understanding means more to them than pride. A student doesn't get ahead of himself. He wants to learn before he teaches.


2. A student listens. Students have bigger ears than mouths. They are well-accustomed to the lecture. They are sponges. They can absorb what people are saying without interrupting. They view the person speaking to them as the teacher. They lean forward for every word. They take notes. They want to make sure they've gotten it all down.


3. A student adapts. Students are never stagnant. They are always expanding their viewpoints, broadening their perspectives. They aren't insulted when they discover that they are wrong. They are delighted that they've uncovered a new truth. They have no problem changing their minds when they are in error. A student wants to be right and is order to admit being wrong to attain that goal.

A person who practices these behaviors in front of clients, colleagues, or bosses will undoubtedly become more successful in his interpersonal relationships. A student always gains the upper hand. Now, granted, a time comes when all students must assume the role of the teacher. Traditional students call this time 'exams.' Eventually, the student has to regurgitate all her or she knows. But the time of testing is always much much shorter in duration than the time of learning. A period of learning may be 2 months while a test is two hours. This is the student:teacher ratio that traditional students maintain.

How about you? How much time to you spend studying versus the time you spend proposing solutions or offering your opinions? I would suggest a high student:teacher ratio. 80:20, maybe even 90:10. The amount of intense study and discovery you do justifies your opportunity to take the test. You cannot teach if you have not sufficiently learned. Ask Questions. Strive to listen. Be willing to change. Orient yourself as a student. You will be grateful when the time comes to take the test.