“”I chose you because of your unique style of teaching,” he surprises me.
“Teaching through open discussion?” I’m astonished. “Yes,” he says categorically.
“For this program I’m more and more convinced that that is the only prudent way. The students have the relevant day-to-day experience. Open debate, steering a group of people to develop the know-how themselves, is how we should teach them. And I don’t have many instructors who are both willing and know how to do it.”
Now I understand, but it scares me. “Jim,” I start to protest, “it’s one thing to do it with regular students, but I’m not sure I can do it with actual managers.” “Why not? What’s the difference?” “What I’m actually afraid of is that I won’t be able to steer them. That my theoretical knowledge will be insufficient relative to their practical knowledge,” I answer frankly. “Don’t.” Jim is firm. …
… “How many years have we known each other? Huh? I know that I can trust you to be open with the students. And over and over you’ve proven to me that you know much more than you think you do. Don’t be afraid to use your regular style. I’m sure it will work with them.””
— Critical Chain: A Business Novel by Eliyahu M. Goldratt