5 Traits Of A Good Teacher At Work

Unlike being a teacher at home, work space and relationships are on a professional basis. This means, there is a line and boundary between the teacher and the team member at work.

Here are 5 traits of a good teacher at work

1. Accessibility: Open Door Concept

All the best teachers have this rule and it is definitly one of the 5 good traits of a good teacher at work. The Open Door Concept is the implied rule that anyone can approach the teach to discuss things and there will not be any bias or repercussions. It is called an Open Door Concept because it means that there is nothing in between or stopping people going in the room. It also implies that there is transparency and nothing to hide in the relationship.

Ever heard some say “If you need any help, my door is always open”? It doesn’t literally mean the person leaves his door open to anyone. It means he/she is always available and willing to help.

2. Understanding - transparency

Nobody is a mind reader hence communicating your feelings to one another allows for mutual understanding between the two parties. When you can understand, you can empathise with the person. When you can empathise, you can work together in a healthier manner.

For example, if a colleague knows his friend has dyslexia and faces difficulties reading, he will give him extra time to run through the documents. It doesn’t mean you are giving people the special treatment but it is managing people. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. It is just the matter of working smart.

Another example, if I know my colleague is bad with calculation and numbers, I will help him or her review. This way, as a team, we don’t fall short. Understanding and empathising with one another is what keeps us efficient and effective as a team.

3. Role Model - actions, work ethics

Do what you say and say what you do. Meaning, if you want to teach your colleagues discipline of reaching the office by 8.30am, you should be in the office by 8.30am. People watch the leaders to teach through action.

Work ethics is something you should expect from colleagues but as a teacher at work, you have got to be the role model.

4. Subjective & Objective

At work, you need to understand that you are dealing with adults who are educated and work for their livelihood and to support their family. The good thing to do as a teacher at work is to match results with numbers.

For example, if you are working in an Events Management company, you can measure the events by number of events delivered. The quality of the events can be done by collecting feedback from the team and attendees via a Post-mortem if possible.

Measurement is the most fair and safe way to calculate someone’s delivery and work. As a teacher at work, you teach this to your colleagues so that they can learn sometimes, you cannot argue with numbers. Data and numbers are the strongest way to win an argument because it puts aside feelings and confusion and allows for easy transaction and reward.

5. Recognition & Reward

One of the good things to do as a teacher at work is to recognise effort and improvement and rewarding the colleague. For example, if you know a colleague is working on his or her stage fright, but keep on showing up onstage during the company town-halls or work events, tell them you see them and thank them. Reward does not need to be in physical form. Even a ‘Thank you’, ‘Means a lot to me’ and ‘I understand your struggle and appreciate your effort, always’ goes a long way.

Everyone wants to be heard and everyone needs to be seen. Remember, psychologically, the worst thing you can do to someone is make them feel invisible. So always look people in the eye and notice them even for the smallest things.

For example, you realise your colleagues who usually come to the office late has been coming in on time. Point it out (recognise) and thank him/her in-front of the team (reward).