This Advice From a Roman Philosopher Will Help You Learn

And be a catalyst for others.

I’ve written on my profile that I’m a work in progress. I wasn’t trying to write something profound or catchy. I happen to believe it.

I think this is the point of our individual journeys. While there are core essentials we all have, our opinions and outlooks are informed and changed by what we learn and who we meet as we go.

It is also said that we are changed by what we teach.

The Roman philosopher Seneca is attributed with the proverb by teaching, we learn. Docendo discimus in Latin — if you roll that way.

It turns out it is also actually a thing with a name called the Protégé Effect. According to author (and Ph.D. candidate) Itamar Shatz, “the protégé effect is a phenomenon where teaching, pretending to teach, or preparing to teach information to others helps a person learn that information.”

Think about what we get out of teaching; we aren’t just imparting information. We are honing our social skills and building community. We are refining our communication style and learning how to share information in a way that is effectively received by others.

This doesn’t mean you need to create a course or teach a class in quantum mechanics. You can mentor someone at work, show a friend how to revamp their resume or online profile, for example.

By teaching others just about anything, you can be the catalyst for their growth.

When I first became a manager, I was responsible for growing my team members within their roles. Imparting what I knew and helping them to learn new skills helped me to up my own game. I was able to identify gaps in their understanding, prepare solutions and tailor learning to them.

There is nothing quite like seeing someone “get it” and have a lightbulb moment when you have taught them something. I would feel such pride for their accomplishments when they would successfully implement what they had learned. I was equally proud when they felt comfortable enough to say, “Here is where I think I messed up, and this is my plan to improve next time.”

I’ve pretty much operated under the idea that if I applied myself and tried to learn a new skill or approach, it would eventually be within my reach. Perhaps not to the proficiency I would like, but I understood that I had much to gain by stepping outside of my lane and trying something new.

Even if these new things were only micro-changes, I’ve always been up to try and felt like I was all the better for it. A way to tweak my morning to be more productive? Yes, please. A better approach to starting a difficult work conversation? I’m all ears.

N.B. The exceptions are cartwheels, handstands and singing opera. I’ve accepted these limitations, and I won’t be pursuing them further for the safety of others. Sentients of the world, you’re welcome!

Some of the things I’ve learned from others, and made a point of teaching are some of the stumbles that can take place on this journey we call life.

By telling others about mistakes or miscalculations I had made in similar situations when I was learning, I normalized this process as part of learning the ropes as they progressed through their careers. I shone a spotlight on my mess.

So, tell others about what a disaster you were! Many of us are entirely done with hearing about people who apparently have their act 100% together. Perfection is impossible and unrealistic.

I’m more interested in the person who, say, fixed their rampant issues with focus and productivity. Please tell me about the time you ultimately detonated an interview with your lack of preparation. I want to hear about your mess, and I’m more than happy to talk about mine and what I learned along the way.

When we teach someone, we are allowing them to benefit from our unique take on something. We all have valuable contributions.

Sharing this ‘lack of knowledge’ knowledge with others can be empowering for you and them.

If you are willing to reveal your flawed, perfectly imperfect self in the light of day, imagine the gift of this to others.

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