How to Develop a More Teachable Mindset

"It may sound hokey, but the truth is that growth is only possible when we are willing to adopt a teachable spirit. That means having a passion for learning, possessing an intention to learn daily, and reflecting on what we're learning to know how to apply it." — John Maxwell 

It's tempting to view teachability as just another character trait. Some people have it; some people don't. After all, we've each worked with people who refuse to learn new things. They may be arrogant or pride themselves on being a stick in the mud. But though pride and arrogance are character flaws, becoming teachable is a learned — rather than a natural — trait. 

What Does Being Teachable Look Like? 

Being teachable means having a learning mindset — a desire to absorb new information, apply it, and improve on it. It means recognizing what others offer and embracing good and bad situations as growth opportunities. Above all, it means asking a whole lot of probing, growth-oriented questions. 

The Benefits of Being Teachable 

The benefits of being teachable are endless. Teachable people have an unlimited capacity for empathizing and for adapting to change. The teachable become life-long learners, and learners become leaders. On the flip side, to stop learning — and thus to stop growing — is to go backward. 

How To Become More Teachable

While teachability rarely comes naturally, you should develop and cultivate this quality. To do so, you must first choose to be teachable. Here are some tips on becoming more teachable in the workplace. 

1. Self-Assessment

Ask yourself, "Am I teachable?" Self-assessment is key. Are you genuinely teachable? Or are you closed-minded? John Maxwell offers several helpful self-assessment questions: 

• Am I open to other people's ideas? 
• Do I listen more than I talk?
• Am I open to changing my options based on new information? 
• Do I readily admit when I am wrong? 
• Do I observe before acting on a situation? 
• Do I ask questions?
• Am I willing to ask a question that will expose my ignorance?
• Am I open to doing things in a way that I haven't done before? 
• Am I willing to ask for directions? 
• Do I act defensive when criticized or listen openly for truth? 

Don't be too disheartened by your answers. We all have room to grow in these areas! 

2. Check Your Ego 

Being humble is fundamental to teachability. First, acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Also, view those around you as equals with something to teach you. 

3. Ask for Feedback 

Willingly receiving feedback is one thing; asking for it is another. But teachable people acknowledge room for growth and ask for input from those around them. 

4. Develop a Correct View of Criticism 

In asking for feedback, you do open yourself up to criticism. And that criticism is sometimes less than constructive. It might even be hurtful. But some of it might prove helpful — even if it does hurt. Just let it make you stronger and better. 

5. Be Respectful 

You don't have to agree with everyone who gives you feedback. Chances are, at some point, you will receive unfounded negative comments. But part of being teachable is receiving others' opinions with respect and then filtering out what is useful and applicable. 

6. Learn To Listen 

"There's a reason you have one mouth and two ears." If you want to be teachable, you must learn to listen more than you talk — to receive what people tell you. This action demonstrates that you value others and lets you learn from their experiences. 

7. Surround Yourself with People You Want To Learn From 

It's true. When you spend time with people, you become like them. So, if you want to become more teachable, spend time with open-minded, teachable people. 

Are you looking for new ways to grow and ready to take the next step in your career? Career Concepts has been helping candidates grow and take that next step for over 5o years! So contact us today, and let's get started!