When Idiots Are Teaching Newbies...

[tim460]

That is not what I meant. I meant that if a person does not know how to teach he will not teach as well as someone who can even though that person has less experience.

Good point. It's all about the ability to communicate ideas clearly, and in a way that each particular individual understands. We all think, speak, talk differently. And to know what's important when...so on. Sometimes people who know a lot can't teach because they presume who they are teaching knows more than they do, too.

Bec's point is also right on target.

[Lee]

That is not what I meant. I meant that if a person does not know how to teach he will not teach as well as someone who can even though that person has less experience.

Its not really a matter of 'teaching' though if you think about it, sure its great to be able to show someone step-by-step but realistically, who has the time these days to do that without it having a knock-on effect on their business?

Over the past 4 years i have actually cut back the amount of 1-on-1 time i give people asking questions because if they dont get the answer they want, you can spend all day, every day with them and they STILL wont follow your advice or instructions.

Regards,

Lee

[tim460]

Its not really a matter of 'teaching' though if you think about it, sure its great to be able to show someone step-by-step but realistically, who has the time these days to do that without it having a knock-on effect on their business?

Over the past 4 years i have actually cut back the amount of 1-on-1 time i give people asking questions because if they dont get the answer they want, you can spend all day, every day with them and they STILL wont follow your advice or instructions.

Regards,

Lee

Makes sense. I don't know you personally, but that can happen with people who care enough to give, and don't realize they are giving too much. So personal lines have to be drawn like the ones you described.

Being a teacher or in the role of adviser is one part knowing when to say no. The other part is giving up some control and expectations, or you'll drive yourself and others nuts. That's hard to do, especially when you see people making mistakes. It's life.

[tim460]

Sometimes people who know a lot can't teach because they presume who they are teaching knows more than they do, too.

After reading this hours later it even confused me! What I meant was "...they presume the student knows more than the student really does."

[basschick]

the problem is that a the kind of people i think lee is talking about is that they think they know something and they teach it to others, but it tends to be stuff that doesn't actually work. those who teach it tend to assume something works based on their own logic, but in fact they have not tried it or have tried it and but have not found it to be successful. they assume, however, that it will be successful at some point.

and a lot of those people say it with such confidence and assurance that newbs and those who aren't making money tend to listen. they assume that much confidence means it has worked for the person posting.

there was one such person, and the funny thing is he's actually a really nice guy. but nothing he does in adult actually works - he's sure it will, though, and got tons of part timers and newbs to do what he strongly advised and taught step by step. the difference was that he did adult as a hobby and didn't need to earn any money, and when all these newbs and part timers took his advice, it tended to cost them money and time, and never had a return.

[tim460]

the problem is....
never had a return.

I understand. Truthfully I already lost some time by following what sounded like authoritative advice but didn't work right. Consequently, I'm learning when, how, who to listen to. Thankfully to say the least, most of the people I've consulted on these boards, particularly a couple of folks, are really incredible.