Realizing that I am always going to be watched has really prepared me for a future with teaching. I know the attitude and how I must hold myself when others are around. I must set the example for how I want my students to behave and treat each other, and the type of attitude I want them to have while doing so. This is easier said than done, because obviously people are just going to have some lousy days. But it is my responsibility, as their role model,to learn ways to deal with these moods. Teaching the students these ways can help improve their overall attitude and actions, as well.
Learning all of this was a bit rocky at first. Luckily, I have the basic experience I need that will fully prepare me in my future. I will be going into a teaching career already prepared to be a positive, respectful example I need to be for these students.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Leading by Example
Being on the management staff at Victoria's Secret means I am always being watched. I have to set the example for the other associates, because I could never hold them accountable for something that I myself am guilty of. When I first took on the role, I never realized how much of a lifestyle change this position would be.
I consider this a lifestyle change, because that's exactly what it is. I have to constantly have a positive attitude, always be coaching associates with their strengths and opportunities, and being one step ahead of them with knowledge of the product. When a customer issue arises, it is my responsibility to act in the moment and know how to calmly solve any problem. At first this was a difficult adjustment. I had to stop viewing this as a job with my friends, and start to view it as a teaching job. Because that's exactly what this is. 
Realizing that I am always going to be watched has really prepared me for a future with teaching. I know the attitude and how I must hold myself when others are around. I must set the example for how I want my students to behave and treat each other, and the type of attitude I want them to have while doing so. This is easier said than done, because obviously people are just going to have some lousy days. But it is my responsibility, as their role model,to learn ways to deal with these moods. Teaching the students these ways can help improve their overall attitude and actions, as well.
Learning all of this was a bit rocky at first. Luckily, I have the basic experience I need that will fully prepare me in my future. I will be going into a teaching career already prepared to be a positive, respectful example I need to be for these students.
Realizing that I am always going to be watched has really prepared me for a future with teaching. I know the attitude and how I must hold myself when others are around. I must set the example for how I want my students to behave and treat each other, and the type of attitude I want them to have while doing so. This is easier said than done, because obviously people are just going to have some lousy days. But it is my responsibility, as their role model,to learn ways to deal with these moods. Teaching the students these ways can help improve their overall attitude and actions, as well.
Learning all of this was a bit rocky at first. Luckily, I have the basic experience I need that will fully prepare me in my future. I will be going into a teaching career already prepared to be a positive, respectful example I need to be for these students.
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I think that it's great that you realized that working in retail will help with your skills in teaching. Looking at the greater picture, I think that everything in life will assist us in teaching. If you really think about it, life is all about learning and teaching. Everything that we learn is learned from others. I think that people fail to realize that anyone can really teach. Becoming a teacher is more than learning what material to teach and how to effectively teach it. It's the know how of how to lead by example, (as stated in your title). It's all about setting yourself as a role model and as an example. Since students are like giant sponges, we have to make sure they soak up all of our great habits.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how you link working in retail with teaching and I agree with you now that I have read through your blog. Teaching is not just about teaching academics but also about teaching life lessons that students can use their whole lives.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you linked working in retail to teaching. In life, we are looked upon by others and we are supposed to be setting examples in the things we do and the way we carry ourselves. It's true that we can use many of our life experiences as a tool in teaching. Holding any position of leadership, even in retail, can provide us with skills that can be used in a classroom as well.
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