Any new skill is a process of “three steps forward, two steps back,” especially in the early weeks of learning. Agree with your learner when you will check in on progress. for some, it may be every week, and for others, every month may be more appropriate.

Check in periodically

Sometimes it's helpful to demonstrate to learners how something is done. Ask your learner if it would be helpful to demonstrate. Ensure that you're not conveying that this is precisely how they should do it. After you offer a demonstration, ask your learner, "What did you see that was helpful?"

Demonstrate when helpful

Great teachers know that learning is a consequence of thinking, not of teaching. Ask open-ended questions to draw out what specifically the person is struggling with. Help them make connections between previous relevant experience and previously developed skills. For example, someone struggling to learn how to write technical content for a non-technical audience: "Tell me about a time when you had to explain your work to a friend or family member who didn't understand it. How did you do it?"

Ask questions to draw out learning needs and reservations

If the task you're asking someone to take on has a particular sense of urgency, you will feel a sense of impatience, even frustration, as your learner works to apply new skills. <ul><li>Ensure you have realistic expectations and don't signal disappointment or frustration, as this can interfere with your learner's progress and confidence.</li><li>Maintain a posture of compassion and grace as your learner faces the challenges of building a new skill.</li></ul>

Manage your expectations

Once you've given someone "a lesson," they may be more sensitive to your scrutiny. You don't want them thinking that every time they present, they'll be evaluated. Rather than letting them become hypervigilant, set expectations about how and when your next observation of their performance will be. When you have observed them, ask how did they feel that went? What would they say went well, and what would they do differently?

Reinforce learning through observation, reflection, and coaching

Not everyone learns the same way. Some people need extensive knowledge and preparation to build their confidence before starting a new task; others prefer to learn through trial and error. Some people learn well in groups while others prefer to learn independently. If you know what your team members prefer, you can offer guidance to each individual. Ask your direct reports what they prefer a hands-on experience or do they prefer some time to think on their own before tying. If you notice someone struggling, ask what you can do that would be most helpful.

Learn how others learn

Letting someone know that you struggled to learn the skill you’re now teaching them can ease the pressure people may feel to "look good" in front of the boss. Stay empathic and keep your past struggles in mind. “I know this is hard, and the fact that I’m here probably makes it harder. Would it help to hear an experience I had struggling to learn something similar and how I got through it?”

Be judicious when comparing your own learning journey

Newer leaders sometimes assume their team has the skill or knowledge to successfully carry out the work they have assigned to them. But it may not be the case. Some may be willing to acknowledge their need for help and readily ask for it. Others may not and instead search the internet to instruct them on how to tackle the task. Instead of leaving things to chance, effective leaders can learn to be inspired teachers.

Effective leaders are teachers

Newer leaders sometimes assume their team has the skill or knowledge to successfully carry out the work they have assigned to them, but this may not necessarily be the case. Someone may be struggling with a particular task and might be hesitant to seek out help. To be an inspiring and approachable leader, here’s what you can do: Be a model learner. Be open when you don’t know the answer to a question or the solution to a problem, and acknowledge your mistakes when you are in the wrong. Learn how others learn. Accept that not everyone learns in the same way. Some like to dive in to their tasks right away while others need deeper knowledge and preparation in order to complete the task at hand. Ask questions to draw out learning needs and reservations. Open-ended questions can help you decipher what a person on your team may be struggling with. Help them build their confidence. Be judicious when comparing your own learning journey. Share moments where you struggled to learn the skill you are now teaching, but not in a way that diminishes their struggle. Demonstrate when helpful, but always check in with your learner first by asking, “Would it be helpful for me to demonstrate this for you?” Reinforce learning through observation, reflection, and coaching. Once you’ve given someone a lesson, they may be more sensitive to your scrutiny as they practice mastering their new skill or task. Set expectations about how and when your next observation of their performance will happen. Manage your expectations. It’s important to remember to not signal disappointment or frustration as this may hinder your learner’s progress as well as confidence. Check in periodically. Having regular check-ins signals to your learner that you care about their progress, and remain available to support, affirm, and coach them as needed.

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