Mentoring can be deceptively simple

When I read about investment in education, and the millions of dollars that are spent on new schools and universities in this region, I often find myself asking how wisely this money is being spent.

For every dollar invested, the concern has to be how much of this actually trickles down to the point where it has a direct impact on students.

The development of good teachers is the single most important factor in the education system, and the priority for the authorities, and for schools and universities, must be to find and retain them. Without them, the system fails schoolchildren and students, regardless of how much is spent on creating the perfect classroom or college campus, or the latest innovations in teaching aids.

The best teachers set high standards for all their students and expect each of them to achieve in their classroom. They don’t give up on underachievers.

Best teacher

I have vivid memories of two teachers who had the biggest influence on myself, for widely contrasting reasons. The best teacher I’ve ever had was a guy called Tony Stubbs; he was a sports teacher but not at my school.

He saw me at an athletics meeting and recognised my ability on the track and after that dedicated a lot of his own personal time to me.

While my own school’s PE teacher couldn’t find the time for me in the evenings or at weekends, Tony did. He coached and mentored me, came along to my events and provided opportunities for me to run for the county. Ultimately I went on to become a professional Rugby League player largely on the back of his coaching.

Opposite reason

I remember another teacher for the opposite reason. When I was aged 11 he said to me: “Harborow — you’ll amount to nothing. You’ll achieve nothing.”

He said: ‘See those hands,’ - and made me put my hands out. ‘Those hands will never do anything.”

I was devastated. I went home and I was very upset, but my father told me that I was going to prove him wrong. He was a teacher who ruled with fear. He was a bully, and that was his way of controlling people At the time I was keen on athletics but had never won a race. In fact, I’d never made a final at that point. The following week brought sports day at my school, and I entered four events, winning them all. From that point I went through my schools and college days never losing a race, breaking many track records along the way.

Seven years later I was working in a local school in my first job, teaching kids sport as part of a youth training scheme. One day a visiting teacher came along, and it was the guy who had told me I would never amount to anything.

I asked him if he remembered me and he said he did. I know he did, because I’d been in the press after signing a contract with Wigan Rugby League Club. I didn’t need to say anything.

Looking back, I’m grateful that I had the determination to prove the man wrong. His form of negative psychology spurred me on, but it also made me appreciate Tony Stubbs even more for his willingness to help me.

Accessible

Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people. They’re warm, accessible and enthusiastic.

They stay on after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They’re involved in school-wide committees and activities, and are committed to the school.

A great teacher possesses good listening skills, and if they’re having a bad day no one knows about it because they leave their personal baggage outside the school doors.

We shouldn’t always see teaching as a classroom based activity.

Passion

Business leaders should equally be prepared to be a teacher and a mentor to young people in their team. Like the best teachers, business leaders are masters of their subject and dedicate a lot of time to expanding their knowledge in their chosen field.

They have a love of learning and inspire young people around them with their passion, just as the best teachers do by constantly absorbing new knowledge and skills in order to pass on to their students.

I’m always learning, and I’ve never been reluctant to share what I’ve learnt with my younger colleagues. I believe it’s an important philosophy to have in the classroom of life and I am always prepared to learn from others too.

The writer is Head of PA Consulting Group, Middle East and North Africa. All opinions expressed are his own.