Teachable Moments
If you’ve been reading the news lately you’ll certainly have caught the coverage on race that’s swallowed up american news. White cop arrests black Harvard professor in his own home. You can read about it for yourself here if you haven’t yet. Obama adds his voice to the commentary mix, saying the cop “acted stupidly” in a case of racial profiling. Later, apologizing for his rash comments made without full facts, Obama invites the officer and professor for a beer to settle it. Obama says he hopes that this will turn out to be what is called a “teachable moment”.
Everyone’s talking about the issue of racial prejudice, but I’m equally interested in the term “teachable moment” that Obama used.
I’m rather encouraged by it. They’re one of those phrases that don’t come from just anybody, but someone of good character, who truly values learning and self-reflection. A phrase that could be common in leadership development books and talks, and at CCF.
I also rather like this compact term. I’ve long stressed teachability as an especially important quality.
Keep an eye out for “teachable moments”. They litter our life, waiting to be picked up and polished. You’ll be much better for it if you do it.
August 2nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Honestly, I think the President acted too rash for someone in his position. There is an expectation that people in his station or equivalent to think before doing anything. I think this in itself is a “teachable moment”. A reminder not do say anything by impulse. There is a Chinese proverb. Illness enters from the mouth, disaster comes from the mouth. Think before one speaks.
August 2nd, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I do think so as well. He was quick to profile the white cop for racial profiling =p And indeed that is in itself a teachable moment.
But whatever mistakes there are whether from president, cop, or professor, I just want to highlight the character of learning and leadership which underline the president’s word. I am sure he knew very well that there was a teachable moment in the incident as much for him as there was for the others.
A person in a high position is expected to make fewer mistakes, the costs are higher. But I kinda wanted to avoid all these other discussions about them and bring the note to ourselves: we will all make mistakes, let’s learn from that.