What do the following individuals, groups and professions have in common? \* Great philosophers such as Aristotle and Socrates from the golden age of Greece

\* Shaman or medicine men from early native civilizations

\* Artisans or skilled craftsmen during the middle ages

\* Leaders of the great religions over the centuries

\* Girl Scout, Boy Scout and 4H leaders in the 20th and 21st century

\* Experienced Physicians and  Nurses through the history of medical education

\* Senior Military and law enforcement personnel for many hundreds of years

\* Contemporary business leaders in selected high performance companies

The common element is that they are all examples of leader-teachers.  Leaders serving as teachers have contributed to many aspects of society over many centuries. 

Leaders who serve as teachers, elders, coaches and mentors are increasingly valued in some contemporary businesses, government, human service and not-for-profit organizations. Yet, despite the time-tested value of leaders serving as teachers, many organizations fail to realize the value or practice the approach.  Important opportunities exist for organizations to more fully utilize the experience, expertise and wisdom of their leaders to serve as teachers and other developmental capacities.

How can we realize the value of a long heritage of leaders serving as teachers and apply it in today’s organizations?  The answer lays in understanding the six major benefits of a leader-teacher approach in today’s organizations.

Many organizations now use some form of a leaders as teachers approach as part of their training and learning initiatives.  Utilization of leaders as teachers can take many forms. Whether deployed on a small or large scale, there are six primary benefits that organizations derive when their leaders serve as teachers, coaches and mentors.  These business and organizational benefits include: 

1. Helps drive business results

2. Stimulates the learning and development of leaders and associates

3. Improves the leadership skills of those who teach

4. Strengthens the organizational culture and communications

5. Promotes positive business and organizational change

6. Reduces costs by leveraging top talent

These six benefits will be described in the next ASTD blog posting in several days.