Transformational Leadership: Are You Teachable?

Transformational leadership is all about guiding others toward significant, positive change. But one key trait that every transformational leader must possess is teachability. This is the ability to remain open to learning and growing, no matter how much you think you already know. So, what does it mean to be teachable, and why is it so crucial for transformational leadership?

What Does It Mean to Be Teachable?

Being teachable means more than just being willing to learn new things. It’s about having the humility to acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers and the openness to receive guidance, feedback, and instruction from others. This mindset is essential for personal growth, as well as for developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead others effectively.

Nelson Mandela once said, “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” This quote perfectly captures the essence of teachability. No matter how much you’ve achieved, there’s always more to learn. A teachable leader understands that learning is a lifelong journey, and transformation is a process that requires ongoing development.

The Teachability Formula

Teachability is not just about listening and absorbing information; it’s about actively engaging with new ideas and applying them in your life. Here’s a simple formula to understand this:

Teaching + Training + Healthy Culture for Application over a period of time equals the transformation of a person or even a whole community.

Let’s break this down:

⚡ Teaching:

This involves gaining new knowledge or understanding. It’s the first step in the process of transformation.

⚡ Training:

Once you’ve learned something new, the next step is to practice and refine that knowledge or skill. Training helps solidify what you’ve learned.

⚡ Healthy Culture for Application:

This means creating an environment where what you’ve learned can be put into practice. It’s about having the right mindset, tools, and support system to apply new knowledge effectively.

When these elements are combined consistently over time, real transformation happens.

The Context of Transformation

The extent to which transformation occurs can be influenced by various factors:

⚡ Availability of Talent/Intelligence:

The more skilled and knowledgeable the people involved, the more likely transformation will occur.

⚡ Timing:

The era or historical context in which transformation takes place can affect its success. For example, certain ideas might be more accepted in modern times than in the past.

⚡ Resource Proximity:

The closer you are to the necessary resources—whether they be educational, financial, or social—the easier it is to drive transformation.

⚡ Cultural Acceptance:

The culture of the people involved plays a big role. Some cultures are more open to change, while others may resist it.

The Role of Humility and Availability

A transforming mind must remain humble and available. Humility is about recognizing that there’s always more to learn, and availability is about being present and engaged in the learning process. A good student shows up physically (or virtually) and mentally, ready to absorb and analyze new information. If either of these is missing, the learning process is incomplete.

Demonstrating Knowledge Transfer

A crucial part of being teachable is not just learning but also demonstrating what you’ve learned. Here’s how you can show that you’ve truly grasped a concept:

The Importance of Teachers, Mentors, and Coaches

In the journey of transformation, no one does it alone. Teachers, mentors, and coaches play vital roles:

Teachers provide instruction and help people learn in a structured environment. A good teacher is approachable, enthusiastic, and genuinely cares about their students.

Mentors see potential in you that you might not see in yourself. They guide you, offering wisdom and insights that can help you unlock your abilities. As Oprah Winfrey said, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”

Coaches focus on improving your performance, motivation, and accountability. They help you focus on the present and work toward future success, often pushing you to achieve more than you thought possible.

These guides are essential for anyone with a transforming mind, as they provide the support and guidance needed to ensure real, lasting change.

A Balance of Learning and Acceptance

Teachability Joints on two key factors

⚡ Willingness to Learn:

You must be eager to gain new knowledge and skills.

⚡ Willingness to Accept:

You must also be open to accepting feedback, advice, and sometimes even criticism from others.

Both of these elements are crucial for transformation. Without a desire to learn, you stagnate. Without the ability to accept guidance, you can’t fully grow.

Conclusion

Transformational leadership is about guiding others through change, but to do this effectively, you must first be teachable. A teachable leader is open to new ideas, willing to accept guidance, and committed to ongoing personal and professional growth. By embracing teachability, you not only transform yourself but also inspire and lead others toward positive change.

Reference

Dr Joshua Kolawole (MD, MBA, MASc., FISQua, CPHQ, PMP) Agile Program Manager & Transformational Leadership Expert, Valdymas Intelligence LLC, Grand Prairie, Texas, USA.