"The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be
understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them."
— Ralph Nichols
"Big egos have little ears."
— Robert Schuller
Instructors talk a lot - some more than others. After all, we are explaining
techniques, exercises, and answering various questions. Sometimes, however, we have to zip up and listen.
For the long-term benefit of the school, the students, and
the instructors, there has to be room for students to express
themselves. In fact, we need to encourage this.
Here are 4 reasons
- Going to the Source. Students best understand if they are receiving quality self-defense instruction.
- Tunnel Vision. Limited to one perspective, instructors can develop “tunnel vision”. An instructor needs suggestions to improve training.
- The Talent Factor. Our students have backgrounds in business, marketing, personal training, real estate, medicine, construction, medicine, electrical, teaching….. Every week I am amazed and privileged to listen to ideas and suggestions that I simply would not have come up with. Keep them coming!
- It’s not about me! Instructors are here to serve the students. To provide them with a safe and enjoyable atmosphere to learn the skills to protect themselves and perhaps even save their lives. If the school simply revolves around the instructor's personal agenda it will, in the long term (or short) not succeed.
There are more reasons but these, in my view, are the main
reasons to encourage students feedback (of course, I welcome other
ideas/feedback!).
Stay Safe,
Christopher Gagne
Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto
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