Teach and Learn from Everyone!

A few years ago, I met a guy who was incredible at playing the guitar. Though I go a lot less than I should, I regularly visit Guitar Center to get new strings and accessories for my guitar. I love going into the acoustic guitar room and playing for fun. Trying out different guitars to hear which sounds I like better and to dream of the next guitar I want to buy in the future. This time I bumped into a gentleman who was inspirational. I was playing a song and he immediately joined in with me. I played on an irregular rhythm because I couldn’t switch between the notes fast enough, but that didn’t seem to bother him. He made the guitar look so easy to play and the sound was smooth as butter. He danced up and down the frets like it was a dance floor for his fingers. Rich notes filled the room as he effortlessly strummed the guitar. I was amazed and watched while also trying to keep up with him.

When we finished the song, I asked him for advice on where he learned to play like that. He said he listens and learns from everyone he meets; then he mimics what they do until he makes it his own. Wow! Not at all the answer I was anticipating. By learning from everyone, he is able to absorb so much! And there wasn’t anyone he wasn’t willing to learn from. He also complimented me on my unique style of playing and told me to keep going. Here he was exceptional as a guitarist and also willing to appreciate the way I played. He was extremely encouraging! I’ll never forget this encounter because of how valued and appreciated I felt. It has inspired me to do the same and remember that no matter how well I sing or play, I can always benefit from anyone else. 

I learned a similar idea from my coaching program. Bruce D. Schneider, the founder of the iPec coaching program, wrote foundational principles to live by. One states that “everyone you meet is your teacher and your student”. When I reflect on this, I think about the gentleman I met at Guitar Center. He grew from what he received and from what he offered. I believe you are able to grow more when you open yourself up both to teach and learn from anyone. For me personally, it allows me to feel confident and humble simultaneously.

This principle is also a reminder that no one is better than I am and neither am I better than anyone else. Skills, talents, giftedness, looks, money, fame can’t add or subtract from a person’s worth. So take the risk by learning and teaching things you have always wanted to.

Consider starting by reminding yourself who you are. When you recognize your own giftedness, you acknowledge that you have something to share with others. In the same vein, when you recognize the giftedness of others, you acknowledge that you have something to learn from others as well. 

Believe that you have something beautiful to offer that no one else can. And also trust that you can learn from anyone, no matter how different they may be from you.