5 Reasons teaching technology to others is good for you
We all know that teaching others is a time-honored activity. Parents teach their children about the world. Master craftsmen teach their apprentices the tools, tricks, and techniques of the trade. Many athletes become coaches and many technologists often mentor new, less experienced, members of the profession. As you may expect, this training is of great value to those being trained; the children, the apprentices, the young athletes, and less seasoned techies. What is the true value to the teacher? The answer to this question is the thrust of this topic. Teaching others in the workplace, as either a professional instructor or as a helpful mentor is in many ways more valuable to the teacher than to the student. I believe that most IT professionals would agree, that in the workplace, we should all help, mentor, and guide those with less experience than ourselves. After all, it’s good for the company and it’s the right thing for us to do as human beings. That said, teaching your technical skills to others also has the following personal advantages: The people you teach will become your internal company supports It expands your knowledge of the topic Helps to position you as a thought leader within the company Helps you define a very positive professional brand Helps maximize your value to the company The reasons that the people you teach will become your internal supporters are: You have personally taken the time to help and mentor fellow techies. This type of kindness is generally greatly appreciated. [...]