How We Ignite Learning: Building Curiosity, Respect, and Trust for the Learner’s Journey

This post continues our exploration of how parents, mentors, and teachers can help others learn and grow. The key is in us, and in our curiosity, respect, and trust in human potential.

When Control Blocks Learning

In an earlier blog, I described how my 9-year-old grandson’s coach yelled at him, “Why don’t you do what I tell you to do!” The stress on my grandson’s face was clear; he looked overwhelmed with fear. He was in an environment that wasn’t conducive to learning. Later, I watched that team play as poorly as any team could. Why would a coach ever communicate that way?

The Leaders We Respect

When we ask leaders about those who shaped them most, the answer is nearly unanimous:

“Those who saw more in me than I saw in myself, and they cared enough to challenge me in a way I felt safe trying.”

The Shift From Telling to Discovering

Learning starts when we stop providing answers and start asking questions, adopting an approach that fosters growth:

• We explain less and explore more.
• We replace telling with curiosity.
• We encourage our mentee to discover answers for themselves.

The Three Traits of Great Teachers, Parents, and Mentors

Great leaders demonstrate qualities that stem from what we call servant purpose: living to help others grow rather than trying to control or impress.

• Curiosity – They ask questions more than they provide answers.
• Respect – They trust the learner’s innate abilities.
• Trust – They understand that growth requires time and reflection.

Creating Environments of Discovery

When we make room for discovery:

• Mistakes serve as teachers.
• Struggle becomes a part of the journey.
• Reflection boosts confidence.

Growth occurs not because we create the path, but because we illuminate it so others can see their own way.

A Closing Thought

Our role as teachers, parents, and mentors isn’t to provide the answers. It’s to ignite the spark that helps others discover their own. It is about their belief in themselves, that they can think, that they can figure it out, perhaps with just a little guidance.

The result is a competent, self-secure mentee, open to learning and growing.

We are always eager to hear your stories, thoughts, and suggestions. We would love to hear from you. – Fritz