To the left, To the left: Insights from Teaching My Teenager to Drive

If you’ve ever taught someone how to drive you know it’s an experience. As the parent of a teenager learning to drive, I've found myself not just teaching, but learning valuable lessons that extend beyond the road and into the world of work through our car conversations. While I've documented some of her most memorable quotes, and my own reference to Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" with "To the left, to the left," when she veers too close the right line, two particular comments from her resonated deeply with me:

"But you're here to help me learn." When we introduce new skills, processes, or concepts at work, it's crucial to create a space for learning. We need to be mentors and not just assign tasks. Just like my teenager relies on my guidance while driving, our teams and colleagues thrive with support as they learn new things. When introducing something new to ourselves or others, whether it's a skill, task, or idea, it's crucial to create a supportive environment conducive to learning. Just as I'm there to assist my child in mastering the complexities of driving, we must extend patience and guidance to colleagues or team members navigating unfamiliar territory. By acknowledging that learning takes time and offering support along the way, we pave the path for long-term success both personally and professionally.

"Driving takes time. Don't rush." We often forget that growth takes time and focused effort. The pressure for immediate results can lead to prioritizing quick over quality. However, as I watched my daughter navigate a challenging turn, it's a reminder that taking the time to do things right is far more valuable in the long run. This also translates to the work environment. Rushing through projects or expecting immediate results often leads to mistakes, missed opportunities, no time to reflect, and wasted time. Investing in the necessary time upfront for proper planning and execution ensures better results and avoids redoing things later. Taking the time to learn, practice, and refine builds a strong foundation for long-term success. My daughter's experience has reminded me that the best results come from taking the time to learn the fundamentals correctly. Rushing through the process might get you to your destination faster momentarily, but it can lead to sloppy habits and a lack of understanding - a recipe for disaster down the road (pun intended!).

Our conversation sparked a reflection on the broader application of these lessons:

• Clear communication: Clear and effective communication is key, whether it's conveying instructions while driving or articulating ideas in the workplace. Even if we possess knowledge or expertise, our ability to communicate that knowledge clearly is paramount to facilitating understanding and collaboration. Whether delegating tasks, providing feedback, or collaborating with colleagues, clear communication bridges the gap between intent and understanding. Our car conversations have reinforced essential communication skills.?
• Patience is key: Becoming good at anything takes time and dedication. Micromanagement, a lack of guidance, or expecting instant success discourages growth. In work settings, fostering a culture of patience allows individuals and teams to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
• Confidence and Trust is Built, Not Given: New skills can be daunting. Building confidence and trust in the learner are essential ingredients for success. Encouragement and trust go a long way in building confidence. The same is true for our teams. By empowering individuals and trusting their abilities, we unlock their potential and create more engaged colleagues. We hired them for a reason - we thought they could do the job. Creating a supportive environment fosters self-belief and a willingness to take initiative.
• Understanding frustration: Learning is rarely a smooth journey. There's the inevitable frustration that comes with any learning process. There will be bumps in the road (both literally and figuratively). Acknowledging this and offering support helps navigate challenges and keeps everyone motivated. As my daughter struggles with turning or a less than perfect stop, I'm reminded of the importance of empathy and understanding. We all experience setbacks, and creating a space where it's okay to make mistakes is vital for growth.
• Acknowledging effort: My daughter's efforts and how I celebrate her progress fuels her motivation to keep learning. The same holds true for our teams. Recognizing and rewarding small wins fosters a positive learning environment and encourages continued effort.

My daughter’s simple comments hold immense value when applied beyond the driver's seat. Through communication, time, patience, confidence building, trust, noting frustration, and acknowledging effort, we can cultivate an environment conducive to learning and growth. By investing time in these things, we set individuals and teams up for long-term success.

In closing, the experience of teaching my child to drive has been a profound teacher in itself, offering insights applicable to various facets of life and work. Just like driving, new things take time. As we navigate new terrain, let us remember the unexpected wisdom imparted by my daughter: "But you're here to help me learn" and "Driving takes time. Don't rush.”

What unexpected lessons have you learned lately? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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