My stance: I see potential and mirror it back. I trust coaches, instructors, facilitators, and even class participants to see the potential in me and mirror it back.
A writing prompt called true #stance, initiated my deep dive into what I like about teaching. I teach to learn, to explore communication connections, and to stretch myself.
In my bead crochet workshop, participants see and understand the benefits of working with their hands. As Brene Brown puts it:
“We are born makers. We move what we’re learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands.”
As I prepped for the upcoming workshop, I considered potential. Few of us enroll in a class because we’re forced. We’ve chosen to explore a new technique, learn more about a topic, or take performance to a higher level. We’ve chosen a method or person to get us there faster.
“How will I mirror the potential of each participant so they have a successful workshop experience?” I asked.
What makes a great instructor?
In my opinion, great teachers/presenters/instructors possess three basis characteristics. See if you agree:
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Heart
When all three line up, fireworks happen!
Creativity
Some might label it personality, but that’s too superficial. Others refer to spirit or presence which gets closer to my meaning. With creativity as a benchmark, flexibility is a given. From the ability to finesse difficult students, to challenge those of varying learning abilities, or to demonstrate knowledge of the material inside out, a creative instructor excels. The creative one facilitates a workshop rather than controls it, asks questions to pique curiosity instead of demanding answers and shows Power Points to expand on a point not provide crib notes.
Creativity is not always pretty. When Pat stopped by the gallery to ask me a question about her bead crochet, I was not prepared with handouts or even a crochet hook. So I showed her how to make a slip knot. And then I chained a couple of stitches with my fingers, slipped a bead down and chained a couple of more. It was sloppy loose. But she understood exactly what I meant. Because I dared to think on my feet we experienced a light bulb moment as I tapped into an example she could relate to. Creativity.
Innovation
New ideas, new projects, and new ways of doing the same old thing are important to me. It’s both a blessing and a curse. Because of the drive for new, I’m conscious of the need for structure in the classroom (especially my classroom). It’s easy for me to jump ahead and skip a basic step if I haven’t thought through the process. Structure keeps me on track.
When innovation is front and center, an instructor can go with the flow: allow a good discussion to run long; form breakout groups on the fly; transform ho-hum attitudes with a change of pace or direction. Innovation also amplifies the experience for participants.
Heart
Expansiveness requires heart-centered connection. It’s positive, meaningful. To paraphrase a blog post by business artist Jeffrey Davis < http://trackingwonder.com/how-art-disrupts-your-life/> : …Art interrupts the checklist of activities to call out our soul. This is vulnerable place of pure wonder.
Heart puts others front and center after we’ve achieved congruence with ourselves. Heart is completely responsive, not rude, demeaning or demanding. Non-judgemental. Heart-centered connections promote support, mutual growth and true learning from a place of pure joy.
I choose to live bigger, better and more boldly. My commitment, my true #stance is to a classroom/workshop/seminar experience of creativity, innovation and heart.
Stance: Mirror the Potential
My bead crochet workshop is set for 10am – 1pm, Saturday November 5 at New Tricks Art Workshops and Gallery. Connect with New Tricks on Facebook.
The bead crochet necklace uses waxed linen, a strong and amazing fiber that comes in a variety of colors. The small chain stitch between beads not only adds space but gives an illusion of colored chain to the viewer. Each necklace is lightweight, versatile and ready to be personalized with charms.
Yes, I’m a bead crochet enthusiast. (I’m the one who never meets a bead she doesn’t like.) I first experimented with bead crochet in February. In my enthusiasm, I’ve since made over 100 bead crochet necklaces and taught others to do the same.
Since adopting the true #stance, I’m going on record to say this offering will take my workshop to a new level.
Interested in exploring new beading techniques? Make a gift for the Holidays, spice up a sweater tunic, or just experiment with something you might not otherwise try on your own.
Join me for a Crochet Necklace Workshop. You’ll get to experience my stance: creativity, innovation and heart.
Details: Mary Ellen’s Bead Crochet Workshop
New Tricks Art Workshops and Gallery
1751 Bellamah NW, Suite 2101, Albuquerque, NM
10am-1pm Saturday, November 5, 2016
