TTT - Expertise

Train-the-Trainer - Expertise

A good teacher can be captivating...even to 
distractable little boys.  That's a superpower.

In the first responder world, we talk about how "train the trainer" or "TTT" are the experts, those
who've been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and now are in the teaching circuit.   In the first responder world, we call this transition from "doer" to a teacher "train-the-trainer" or TTT for short.  You also hear, "those who can't do, teach."  Somewhere in between is probably the truth.  Depending on which philosophy you subscribe to, I've found that the best instructors are the ones who had an aptitude for teaching...and...were good enough at "doing" the thing along the way.  They'd developed some level of expertise or mastery of the skill as well as the communication skills to convey those skills to the next generation.  Having gone over to the instructor side of the house fairly early in my fire service career, I can honestly say, "I'm no expert...but I've got the basics down solidly, and I've got some honed gifts in sharing that knowledge."  

We can teach the 
practical...

Just like any other skill, becoming an effective, successful teacher takes practice and is an acquired skill set.  The good news is that, with rare exceptions, you too can become a teacher to pass on the knowledge, skills, and experience you've acquired.  Chances are, viewing yourself as a "teacher" deep down helps you begin to pass on (formally, and informally) information by pouring into those around you.  To be certain, it takes vulnerability, effort, and practiced work to get good at teaching.  Also, to be certain, teaching can leave a powerfully lasting contribution and gift to those around you.  Over the years, pouring in tactical style first responder information into young folks ("baby firefighters") built a rapport and relationship that, over the years allowed me to speak into their lives as they became spouses, parents, and other important roles.  

In large part, TTT equals tools, tips, and tricks that go beyond the textbook.  It's been said that "true

...the philosophical...

mastery comes through teaching." I recently passed my 4,000th student and I can tell you that I'm a much better instructor and tactical-level practitioner...because I've had 4,000 students.  If I have a mastery of anything, it's because I've taught it and learned from 4,000 different sets of eyeballs and perspectives.  I became a better Planning Section Chief when I became a Planning Section Chief Instructor, I'd guess this sort of progress would be true in your life as well.  In our family world, we can take many of the parallels from my (and other teachers') experiences and effectively apply them.  

...or the lifestyle.  All of 
them matter, greatly.

Teaching, and thinking about teaching, helps you become a better learner.  The mindset and identification of a teacher help you listen better and differently because you're translating those nuggets in your mind through your expertise and experience to reconvey them.  Becoming a better learner, then working through those lessons by sharing them with others is a powerful and rewarding experience.  For years, we used an interview question "teach me something you don't think I would know."  The question itself served as a testament to a candidate's ability to think on their feet, articulately communicate, and gave an insight into their personality/habits/hobbies/background.  I was often amazed at how little I knew about various topics...and how clever, creative, and talented otherwise strangers were.  Opening your mind to learn and teach can be a powerful paradigm shift that has the potential to make you a better, more well-rounded version of yourself.  

If you've been around the block a minute as a spouse, parent, or adult in general...chances are you've picked up some of what does and doesn't work well in life.  In sharing those lessons (teaching) with others in your circle, you begin to refine your perspectives, and those become practices over time.  For example, when we all become adults, chances are we struggle with finances.  Over time, we hopefully learn from others about best practices of how to do finances well.  With more time, we might consider teaching classes like Financial Peace from Dave Ramsey at our local library or church.  This teaching helps you internalize and somehow makes more real the lessons that you can otherwise read.  

That next generation
picks up all sorts of
stuff from you...and
become teachers 
to others. 

In part, for me, writing this blog and other content has served as a new, out-of-the-classroom outgrowth of my other teaching.  Hopefully, it helps you, but it certainly has helped me.  The research, open-mindedness, and learning (growth) mindset have helped me work through many marriage and family topics over the years.  In my wife's MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) group, I'd argue that in large part is "teachers" and "proteges."  Ladies that are a chapter or two ahead in the game of life pour into other moms who are going through rough patches.  Over time, they learn their own lessons and convey those to the next generation and the cycle continues.  

As we talk about any facet of our "standing in the arena" - FIRE for Adventure, Raising Adventure, Plan Family, or whatever else, many of those tips, tricks, and tools came from the "shoulders of giants" with those ahead of us who cared enough to become teachers.  Look for opportunities at work, home, church, or other places to pour into those you care about.  Consider working through your basic spouse/parent competencies by sharing the things you've learned over the years with those who are following and looking to you in your circles.  And, remember, true learning comes from one meaningful conversation at a time...go have those conversations...it matters.  

With you in the arena, from ours to yours...Happy Trails!

Call to Action: 

• Name three things that you know something about that you think someone in your circle could learn from you.  Go "teach" them.  
• 1 - ___________________ 
• 2 - ___________________
• 3 - ___________________
• What are some ways you can develop your skills - as a doer and a teacher - in ways that matter?  Pick one to get started on this week.  
• What is one thing you learned recently that you can teach someone else?  How are you going to present it and who are you going to present it to?  
• Discussion: Consider what you/your family could/would/should (level of commitment) and start/stop/sustain (action)

Further Reading, Motivation, and References:

- The Protege Effect - https://effectiviology.com/protege-effect-learn-by-teaching/ 

- The Power and Value of a Teacher - https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/blog/2245-the-power-and-the-value-of-a-teacher