Sitting at my desk this morning after shoveling my driveway (thanks, 2021) and I ran across this quote in Tim Ferris’ excellent “Tools of Titans”(Amazon link) book.
If you don’t own this book, you should. It’s an incredible guide on just about everything from some of the world’s top performers.
In this particular chapter, Tim was referencing a podcast with Gabby Reece and mentioned her philosophy of “go first” - if she’s in line at the grocery store, she’ll be the first person to say “hello” to someone else in line.
Most people are genuinely nice in public, they’re just shy. If you take the opportunity to be nice first, things will generally work in your favor.
As a technology coach, you’re likely not going to be every teacher’s favorite person. For those resistant to change, you’re going to take much of the blame for their discomfort.
Which is exactly why I say this is Technology Coach Rule #1 -
Be nice.
Yes, you will likely know more about technology than the teachers you work with daily. They are still highly educated individuals with their own level of mastery in other areas. Keep that in mind.
Be nice. Be patient. Remember, stillness is the key (Amazon link). You are likely a person who is more on the “cutting edge” of technology than many of your teachers.
And that’s fine. That’s your job. You’re on the cutting edge so they don’t have to be. Your job is to help guide them along through this journey. Some will come willingly, others… not so much.
Just be nice. Be overly nice. Answer questions. Try to remain neutral. Leave your emotions at the door.
If you can do this, I promise your life as a coach will get easier.
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