Am I a teachable person?

     Teachability is a word that we don't hear very often but we should.   A person who possesses the character of having a teachable attitude is invaluable. John Naisbitt said it best when he said, “the most important skill to acquire is learning how to learn.” Don’t we all need to acquire this skill? Once we get to the point in life where we feel we have arrived, we have turned the wrong direction. So, how do you know you are teachable? Are there any indicators as to whether or not you’re open to learning? Yes, there are at least five clues that indicate you are a teachable person.

     First, people give you input. If you are the kind of person that accepts input and advice from others then you are teachable. People know this about you and that’s why they offer advice. They know you want it and are open to it. Second, you can see measurable growth and character development in your life. Can you look back over the past five years and see a difference in your attitudes, behaviors, or feelings? If you can, then chances are you’ve been teachable and have learned along the way. Third, you don’t have to answer your critics with a defense. Teachable people are secure enough to know they don't need to offer a defense. If they have done the right thing then they rest in that. Fourth, you know you’re teachable when you don't have to return the favor. When someone points out a shortcoming in your life, how do you respond? Do you take it and evaluate yourself? Or, do you immediately point out a flaw in their life? Finally, you can tell you’re being teachable when you hear something different for a change. In other words, if you are still receiving the same correction today that you received ten years ago, then you haven’t learned or matured.

     Develop teachability; it will serve you beyond imagination. It’s one of the character traits of the wise in Proverbs. In order to do this you must be able to listne to those who speak truth into your life. Learning comes from others who have already learned. John Wooden once said, "Everything we know we learned from somebody else!"