The Power of Teaching: Why the Best Leaders Learn Twice

Great leaders aren’t just learners—they’re teachers. And the most effective teachers understand a simple yet powerful truth: when you teach, you learn twice.

This isn’t just an idea; it’s a fundamental principle of mastery. Research in cognitive science confirms that teaching enhances comprehension, strengthens memory, and deepens understanding. But beyond the science, there’s an undeniable leadership reality: the people who invest in sharing knowledge don’t just grow their teams—they grow themselves.

I just wrapped up a week of pouring into 20 entrepreneurs, sharing lessons, challenges, and strategies I’ve gathered over the years. Instead of feeling drained, I came back recharged. Why? Because teaching isn’t just about giving—it’s about sharpening your own edge.

In my years of leading teams, coaching high performers, and building businesses, I’ve seen a common mistake: too many people hold onto knowledge like it’s a limited resource. They fear that if they give too much away, they’ll lose their advantage. But the truth is, the greatest leaders aren’t knowledge hoarders—they’re knowledge amplifiers.

If you want to become an indispensable leader, a coach that people seek out, or a culture-builder inside your company, you need to make teaching a habit. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Use the ‘Teach-Back’ Method to Reinforce Learning

One of the best ways to deepen knowledge is to teach it back. Every time I give an employee a book, I don’t just ask if they read it—I ask them to teach me what they learned.

This does two things:

• It forces them to engage with the material beyond passive reading.
• It gives them ownership over the knowledge, allowing them to internalize and apply it.

You can implement this practice in your business today. Whether it’s a book, a workshop, or a coaching session, challenge your team to summarize and explain key takeaways. When someone teaches back, they retain the information longer and apply it with greater confidence.

2. Make Teaching a Leadership Habit

Teaching doesn’t have to be a formal role—it can be a daily discipline. You don’t need to be a professor, a consultant, or a keynote speaker to be a teacher. You just need to be intentional about passing on what you know.

• As a mentor: Take a junior employee under your wing and regularly share insights from your experience.
• As a leader: When making decisions, explain the ‘why’ behind them so your team learns the thinking process.
• As a peer: Don’t just solve problems—teach others how to approach and resolve them.

The best workplaces foster a culture of continuous learning. The moment teaching becomes a daily habit in your leadership style, you not only elevate others but also solidify yourself as a go-to expert.

3. Rethink Knowledge as a Competitive Advantage

Too many professionals operate with a scarcity mindset when it comes to knowledge. They fear that if they give too much away, they’ll lose leverage. In reality, the opposite is true.

The most respected leaders are the ones who freely share wisdom because:

• It positions them as authorities in their field.
• It builds trust and loyalty among teams and clients.
• It attracts high-caliber talent who want to be in their orbit.

Teaching isn’t a liability—it’s an accelerant. The more you give, the more you gain. It’s no coincidence that the best entrepreneurs, coaches, and executives are the ones who openly mentor, advise, and educate others.

4. Teaching as a Competitive Edge in Business

Want to know the fastest way to build influence? Teach.

Whether you’re running a business, growing a team, or building a personal brand, consistently sharing what you know makes you invaluable. Look at the most successful figures in business today—many of them have positioned themselves as teachers in some capacity.

Here’s how you can start using teaching as a strategic advantage:

• Host internal knowledge-sharing sessions: Encourage team members to present insights from recent projects or books.
• Leverage social platforms: Write about your experiences, lessons, and expertise to establish credibility.
• Offer mentorship at scale: Whether it’s through workshops, podcasts, or simple lunch-and-learns, create opportunities to pour into others.

People follow those who help them grow. If you want to be indispensable in your industry, teaching needs to be part of your playbook.

5. The ROI of Teaching: Why It’s Worth Your Time

Leadership is a long game. The real return on investment from teaching isn’t just in immediate recognition—it’s in long-term influence. The leaders who take the time to educate, mentor, and develop others are the ones who build lasting legacies.

Think about the people who’ve had the greatest impact on your life. Chances are, they were teachers in some form. They weren’t just telling you what to do—they were guiding you toward new ways of thinking, equipping you with tools to succeed.

That’s the kind of leader people remember. That’s the kind of influence that lasts.

Final Thought: Go Be the Best Part of Someone’s Day

Teaching isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about service. When you take the time to pour into others, you’re not just strengthening them—you’re sharpening yourself.

So whether it’s mentoring a teammate, sharing an insight on social media, or simply explaining a process to someone who’s new, commit to teaching. Commit to learning twice.

And while you’re at it—go be the best part of someone’s day today.