Teachability: The Forgotten Twin of Ability
When it comes to leadership, the debate often rages between nature and nurture. That is, are leaders born or made?
I’m of the opinion that, while there may not be an actual “leadership gene,” there are some men and women who seem to be naturally predisposed to lead. Their personalities lean that way. Their abilities turn that way.
Yet, the fact remains that if this “bent” isn’t developed, the leadership that might have been realized remains dormant. Even the most gifted leaders need to develop their gifts.
The thing is, many of the greatest leaders – in all sorts of arenas – didn’t necessarily have the high-impact DNA of others, yet they still rose to the top. Their commitment to grow in this skill…their determination to learn… set them apart.
There is a noticeable common thread in most successful leaders: they are teachable. And correspondingly the opposite is true: the unteachable (gifted as they might be) are limited and, as a result, ineffective.
There is a noticeable common thread in most successful leaders: they are TEACHABLE. And correspondingly the opposite is true: the unteachable are limited and, as a result, ineffective.
The Cost of Unteachability
As ministry leaders, being teachable raises the ceiling in all areas of our lives – intellectually, relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. If we are unteachable, we will miss full potential in our homes, work and relationships.
Failure to be teachable intellectually – the inability to understand, engage, and interact well with a rapidly changing world will compromise our capacity.
Failure to be teachable relationally will short-circuit our capacity to love, lead and influence people.
Failure to be teachable emotionally will result in a lack of emotional intelligence – the ability to understand why we do what we do.
Failure to be teachable spiritually will stunt our maturity as disciples and limit our disciple-making.
Is it any wonder that some of the greatest leaders vigorously proclaimed the value of learning?
“The strongest leaders I know are ravenous learners.”
Sharon Hodde Miller
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
John F. Kennedy
Because teachability is so important, I’m committing two blog posts to it. Each will allow you to do a bit of self-assessment.
To begin with, let’s think about what it looks like to be unteachable. Likely, you can easily identify this character flaw in others, but it’s harder to see it in ourselves.
7 “Tells” of an Unteachable Heart
So, here are 7 “tells” of an unteachable heart. Though not an exhaustive list, it is certainly illustrative.
Read through the list. Slowly. And ask the Spirit to nudge you to the truth. Put a mental checkmark next to each one that applies to you.
An unteachable person…
Fails to receive criticism without defensiveness.
Refuses to be wrong, always giving an excuse or self-justification.
Refrains from asking questions that might make them appear uninformed or inexperienced.
Demands the “last word,” needing to win (or at least to not lose) every argument.
Will not seek guidance from more seasoned, experienced people.
Is passive or unengaged in learning environments – doesn’t take notes or ask questions.
Will not expose themselves to thoughts, history, or experiences that will challenge their existing perceptions, practices, or prejudices.
Self-Assessment
How did you do? Did you recognize any of the “tells” of a lack of teachability in yourself?
If (As!) you found yourself checking a few of these, I congratulate you. Admitting an area where you need to grow is one of the first signs of a teachable spirit.
Now take each one and ask a few other questions:
What was it that got my attention here? You probably can think of a tangible illustration.
Why do I often default to this? What’s behind my behavior: fear, insecurity, pride?
Who could you talk to about this? Ask your spouse or a trusted friend if they see this in you.
How could you begin to address this? What practical steps could you take to increase your teachability quotient?
Surprisingly, Scripture has little to say about ability. But it has a lot to say about teachability. What might God want to say to you?
“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
Proverbs 26:12
“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 26:12
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