Teaching people who don’t want to learn is extremely frustrating. They listen impatiently, if at all. They argue. They interrupt. They preen. They try to correct or one-up. When they don’t understand something, they pretend they do, or they insist it’s not an important thing to learn. They don’t learn and everyone involved has a bad time.
Teaching people who want to learn is extremely satisfying. They listen eagerly. They respect your expertise. They appreciate that you’re trying to help them. When they don’t understand something, they ask. Not only do they learn, but they apply their new knowledge. Everyone involved has a good time.
You can’t help people if they don’t want your help. Direct your energy toward folks who’ll appreciate it.
(And be someone who appreciates it.)
