Most of us have a teacher that inspired us and guided us on a path we may not have found otherwise. If you’re feeling like you need some mid-week motivation from a teacher, we’re rounding up advice from some famous teachers to help lift you up and move you forward!
People seldom see the halting and painful steps by which the most insignificant success is achieved. - Anne Sullivan
Known for teaching Helen Keller how to communicate when she was both deaf and blind, Anne Sullivan knows a thing or two about resilience. Think about this when things that seem to come easily to others and don’t to you. Perhaps you’re taking on a project that requires you to learn a new skill and it’s been more challenging than you initially perceived. Maybe a colleague was granted an award or role that you were vying for. Be sure to remember that every success is not without it’s pain to keep things in perspective.
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. - Aristotle
A teacher of the ancient Greek variety, Aristotle was a proponent that knowledge is based on individual's perceptions. Gaining more knowledge and education can only help you within the workplace. Education also doesn’t mean you have to take a formal course or training, it can be as simple as learning from a colleague in a different department.
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. - Albert Einstein
Einstein learned a thing or two from his extensive academic career, and not all of it was about physics apparently. It important to take time to imagine and ruminate on your work. Having time to dream will make you better at your job and help you generate new ideas to reach whatever your company’s goals are.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. - Confucius
Most of Confucius’ teachings are grounded in sincerity and justice, but this teaching is more about moving forward when it may seem impossible to do so. Although it may take you longer to complete a task or reach a goal, the key is to not give up and to continue putting one figurative foot in front of the other.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. - Mark Twain
Mark Twain wasn’t a traditional teacher, more of a lecturer of sorts. Between his many speaking engagements and the number of people that have written book reports on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, we can include him on this list. We’ve all had those days where it just seems impossible to get ahead of your to do list. Keep Mark Twain’s simple advice in mind to help you take on your to-do’s one at a time.
You have to be able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Unless you can understand what is motivating them, you are never going to be able to figure out how to solve a particular problem. - Madeleine Albright
Aside from her achievements in her political career, Madeleine Albright is a teacher at Georgetown University. This nugget of knowledge she shared is all about how important empathy is in problem solving. Understanding how your co workers are motivated can help you better communicate with them and work more effectively toward common goals.
One of the greatest things in life is that no one has the authority to tell you what you want to be. You’re the one who’ll decide what you want to be. - Jaime Escalante
You may recognize Jaime Escalante’s teaching methods from the movie Stand and Deliver, which is based upon his story. Escalante moved to the U.S. from Bolivia and took a job teaching math at one for the poorest and most underperforming schools in Los Angeles. You can keep this quote in mind when you may be at a career crossroads. Ultimately all of your decisions are your own, so you should own them.
To be good, you need to believe in what you’re doing. - Billy Crystal
Working as a substitute teacher when he first started his career as a stand-up comedian, Billy Crystal went on to teach at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. A belief in what you’re working on, whether that’s within the walls of your office or a passion project outside of work, is essential if you want to find success. Keep this in mind if you need help staying motivated getting to the next level.
Every time I’ve failed, people had me out for the count, but I always come back. - Sylvester Stallone
Aside from his teacher-esque role in Creed, Stallone played the part of a teacher in real life when he taught Physical Education when he was in college. Failure is going to happen, but it’s about how you react to it. Dusting yourself on and making a comeback is the best way to move forward. Especially within the workplace, it’s not about never making a mistake, it’s about handling it with grace and coming back stronger for it.
A lack of transparency results in distrust and deep sense of insecurity. - Dalai Lama
Honesty and transparency is the name of the game. Learning from this famous teacher, who touts teachings based upon kindness, can always help your management strategy. According to the Dalai Lama, transparency builds trust. Being transparent with your directs will help you build a trusting relationship. If you want to take this advice to the next level? Sign up for a Free Employer Account on Glassdoor to be transparent with your entire organization.
