more important than technique
I try to teach my students that there attitude and personality is even more important than there techique. I treat each day in the class as if we were on a paying job. Attire, being over prepared,and ariving before time is on time. I think these skills are the most important in and out of the classroom.
I agree, we are always trying to find ways to increase proffesionalism in our students. I think one easy way to increase proffesionalism is to keep high standards for the instructors. The more proffesional the instructors are the more the students will become.
I agree to the fullest. I think technique is good but attitude and personality is more important. For example if u were a barber and had great technique but on the flip side your attitude and personality was poor. That means u can cut great but since your attitude and personality is poor you have no clients.
A very good analogy. I'll pass that one on!
Yes it is important to keep a high standard of professionalism, but instructors must also show a true sense of interest and concern in the welbeing of their students
model, motivator and mentor
I TOTALY AGREE , IF YOU ARE THE VERY BEST IN YOUR LINE OF WORK OR FIELD BUT YOUR ATTITUDE OR PERSONALTY ARE BAD ,NO ONE WOULD WANT TO DEAL WITH YOU.
I like to tell my students to look at school as a really long job interview. Show us how you will act in a work environment. Being a career school our job is not only to teach them the technical skills, but also to prepare them for the workplace. We have extensive placement assistance, and I point out to students that if they have a poor attitude or are unprofessional, how can I be expected to endorse them as a graduate of mine. If I lied to a prospective employer about the reliability or attitude of a student the truth will eventually come out and I'll develop a bad rep. If I'm honest about a students poor reliability or attitude, they won't get hired. "Hey Bob. Hire this kid. He'll skip work, be a jerk to your clients, cost you money and lie to you!" This helps the poor student to see the consequences of poor attitude, personality and work ethic pretty quick.
As an addendum to my last point, I express this when a student is just joining my school not after they've developed a problem. The intent is to be motivating early on, not threating after the fact.
I also agree. I have noticed a big difference from the instructors that are always profesional verses the ones that are not. When the instructor is keeping the high standards, the students come in on time, they look at the instructor as the model they can look up to. I am following in keeping to those higher standards. My students do notice this and mention it to me.
I always impress on my students the importance of a good attitude no matter how talented and skilled they are. Being able to get along with people and work as a team is essential for success, even in the fashion industry. You have to prove yourself before you can move up to "Devil Wears Prada" status.
This is an excellent point to make because it is so true. A genius with a poor attitude and poor people skills will not keep a job as long as the positive person willing to learn and grow.
Hi Bill, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, the "people skills" are just as important as the technical abilities. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
