April 16, 2010

“Maybe you should be teaching the course here at work.”

One of our CJ2 Consulting colleagues (we’ll call him James) is often asked to teach classes in his field of expertise.  He is always willing to share his experience and knowledge with others. 

Recently, when a few members of the company were together in a small group, James mentioned that he would once again be imparting his wisdom, this time to a group of students taking masters’ level courses.  He began to explain a bit about the nuanced approach he would take in teaching the students.  His assignment was to instruct them to become more effective and efficient in their software development techniques. 

We listened intently.  At the conclusion of his comments, we were all convinced that the class would be quite valuable in the professional development of his soon-to-be students.  In fact, one of our folks who often works side-by-side with James on large projects commented with a tinge of sarcasm, “Maybe you should be teaching the course here at work.”  Our collective laughter indicated that things are never quite as effective and efficient as they should be.

Unfortunately, what is taught in the classroom has a tendency to stay in the classroom.  We too often do things inefficiently even if we have been taught a better way.  While there is no lesson that outweighs the wisdom wrought by experience, we shouldn’t become bogged down by old and ineffectual habits.

Work is the most instructive of all classrooms.  I hope we are learning. 

Craig Halsey

They Said It

April 16, 2010