Feeling valued

On a daily basis I speak to people who are considering a new career as a driving instructor.  Often one of the motivators for change is the sense that they just do not find their current life fulfilling.  It is very important that each of us looks after our own internal eco-system, and ensure that we are regularly fed with experiences and interactions with others that leave us feeling valued.  It is a basic human need.  People describe to me how they feel like they are taken for granted, or that their daily contributions are simply expected rather than valued. 

An interesting aspect to consider is how the career of being a driving instructor would address this basic need in you.  I introduce my ebook on this very subject as I think the work/life balance really is not to be ignored.  Having a sense of control so that you are able to enjoy positive experiences in any given day is not a small deal.  Daily life is ever increasing in intensity and pressure. 

I speak to my pupils about the process of learning to drive. I encourage them to imagine this need to juggle balls relating to physical dexterity, multi-tasking, mental skills, applying theory knowledge etc and how the introduction of a new ball does not mean any of the others can be dropped. It is not dissimilar to what each of us does on a daily basis, juggling balls marked work, home, interests, kids etc.  Some people recognise that they need to address the number of balls they are juggling, or neglecting some balls over others, or they are recognising that one or two balls in particular seem overly big or heavy to juggle, and that really needs their attention.

The working day of a driving instructor does have its challenges too.  It would be wonderful if every pupil that we interacted with was plain and simple to help, but that would be giving you a false impression.   Driving instructors have their strengths and weaknesses. The ability to assist and enjoy working relationships with pupils is going to depend on what skills the instructor has available.  Teaching is a creative process, the facilitation of learning comes about by paying attention to the needs of the pupil and adapting to those needs.   Ignoring this fact makes for miserable working environments, it does little to develop effective learning relationships with pupils.  It also affects key factors like the safety in the car, the amount of learning the pupil makes and how effective is the learning. 

What kind of skills am I referring to?   Being able to identify pupils' needs is critical and that comes with effective communication.   Knowledge about barriers to learning would be right up there on my list of key skills.   As would having the ability to deliver a range of learning techniques that develop personalised and deep learning. 

People often talk to me about the positive feeling that driving instructors must get when a pupil passes a driving test.  This is undoubtedly true as it positively enhances peoples lives.  But for me, my sense of reward is in the daily interactions with pupils.  It is incredibly rewarding when you can witness a pupil developing.  They come into the process of learning to drive with a variety of needs, and when you can observe them overcoming barriers to learning, that is truly inspirational.

To speak to me about becoming a driving instructor with BIG TOM simply call on 07894 262 718       http://drivinginstructortraining.bigtom.org.uk/