By the year 1946, just after WWII had come to a close, a new chapter in human history was opened. At the University of Pennsylvania, J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly created ENIAC, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. Stretching across nearly 1,800 square feet, it used over 18,000 vacuum tubes and weighed close to 50 tons. ENIAC was the first fully functional digital computer ever made. It was quite literally, a massive breakthrough.
Now, you are more than likely reading this on a laptop or cellphone. What once was as big as a house, is now a commonplace item, found in nearly any home. Innovation constantly leads to consolidation.
Every great invention in human history follows that same story line. It begins as a monstrously complex machine, completely inaccessible to the common man. With time however, it becomes streamlined and easy for even the most average of individuals to use and understand. From cars to computers, the story of innovation is the same.
Consider Apple for example. Time after time, Apple has redefined what is normal by simplifying the user experience. The mark of innovation is accessibility. So here is my suggestion to you, no matter who you are…
Become an innovative teacher.
A transformational teacher is innovative in their approach to the presentation of knowledge. They condense it to its smallest possible form, and in doing so, they make the information accessible to everyone! As a restaurant manager, corporate supervisor, athletic coach, school teacher, parent, no matter your field of influence, you should strive to be innovative in how you instruct.
Every time you are given a platform to lead or to teach, ask yourself the question, “Is my approach to the information I am sharing as innovative as it could be?” If a paragraph could become a sentence and still hold the same clarity and power, then make it a sentence. If an hour long exposition could be consolidated to five minutes and maintain its comprehensive and authoritative nature, then say it in five minutes. That is innovation, and that is how you become a transformational teacher.