6 Life Lessons You Can Learn From Students
Written by Jeff Sheehan
I continue to have an insatiable thirst for learning. I guess it’s what keeps me young.
I also like to share motivational and inspirational quotes and tidbits with others, in addition to my content on marketing and sales. More importantly, I believe in helping others and, in particular, those who have helped me along the way. This all leads to this blog post.
Over thirty years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of being interviewed and hired by Jack Driscoll. Jack is a true icon among those who have ever been involved in the electronics industry or in high-tech. More importantly, he is someone who greatly influenced the career success I achieved, my ability to see the world, and providing me with the opportunity of meeting so many outstanding individuals from many of the world’s largest companies.
While attending a company function at Jack’s home many years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting his daughter, Kim. At that time, she was a young college student. Kim has since gone on to become one of the most influential people in education through her co-founding of the Ron Clark Academy and her many speaking engagements to educators and business organizations throughout the world. She, along with Ron and the others at the Atlanta school, have trained thousands of educators who are now using their techniques at their schools.
In running into Jack at a local supermarket last week, I learned of the upcoming release of Kim’s book which intrigued me. Knowing Kim and her accomplishments, I’m sure it will be good and something which will touch many in academia and beyond. What’s more, her experience in working with Ron Clark and others in changing the way children are educated and the feedback she has received from her students has been extensive. Although from young students, many of the lessons she has learned are directly applicable to business. It is just a few of these that I’d like to share with you at this time.
1)Solving the Puzzle: The children in Kim’s life have taught her that our lives are like a jigsaw puzzle: every piece is jagged and awkward when studied in isolation, but has a clear place and purpose as the picture begins to take shape. If we seek to nurture our talents and use them to their fullest, we will learn that each of us is a one-of-a-kind limited edition who has great purpose in whatever capacity we serve.
2)Realizing the Power of Tenacity: It is easy to become frustrated when we don’t see immediate results after pouring so much effort and time into our work. When this happens, it is important to remember the power of tenacity: every word, every deed, every outpouring of love has the potential to instill something that will later empower an organization in meaningful ways.
3)Creating Chemistry that Changes the Climate: The most powerful relationships occur when we willingly seek to understand others wholeheartedly. The chemistry we create with other people is the primary element that affects our ability to guide others, mold them, and help them find success.
4)Setting Expectations… and Meeting Them: We must believe in every individual’s ability to achieve greatness: lowering expectations doesn’t help those who struggle, but rather it hinders them. Every person needs to be “seen” not as they are, but as what they can become.
5)Uplifting Others: Every person needs to feel beautiful, comforted, valued, and cherished. We must know that we matter and that we have significance. By serving others, we elevate not only their self-perception but also ourselves.
6)Knowing What Matters: When we stop to appreciate the blessings all around us, we begin to understand the limitless possibilities for our lives. By spending time with others who have little and love much, we realize how others find abundant joy, despite their dire circumstances. Fellowship, love, and laughter—they are available to us all.
Kim certainly has many more points to share that can be applied to business. These are all contained in her upcoming book which is now available for pre-order:
Crash Course The Life Lessons My Students Taught Me
Whether you’re in education or business, or want to learn more from someone who has really had a profound impact on our society and the way that children are being taught, and has countless success stories to validate her methods, it’s worth listening to what Kim had to say. I know I have and will continue to do so.
For information on how to book Kim Bearden for your next event, visit PremiereSpeakers.com/kim_stewart_bearden.
Source: Sheehan Marketing Strategies
