Discussion with Patron – awareness.

Interesting data point: Patron and squire brothers got into 3 hour argument over joke: “what part of car most susceptible to failure? Nut behind wheel.” This degenerated to five engineers arguing over frames of reference and definition of “behind” relative to car’s steering wheel.

Patron’s book on fighting methods with editor, naturally subjects in conversation touch on similar concepts. In this case, primary topic last night on observation and analysis. Patron well knows that silence brings much information. Opponents often broadcast intents with what they choose to do or not do. So too, do non-opponents, and such observation became primary subject of conversation last night.

For reasons, Patron teaches listening, observing, watching without judgement or injected opinion. Take in detail, let context show itself. While doing so, even tiniest of actions, or movements or even comments can have greatest of effects. This subject Patron felt strongly to convey. When teaching, or demonstrating, very simple thing to demonstrate ‘inefficient’ process, Patron careful not to use word “wrong.” Strongest reason being word “wrong” implies opposite of rightness, which does not always equate to truth.

Each person has their own path of truth. Inefficient things for one person easily could be most efficient for ‘them.’ Thus careful application of words necessary, especially when attempting to guide student to grow. Demonstrate hurdle. Show options. Shine light into challenge. Then – allow student to find OWN path through challenges. Some students go over, some under, some around, some straight through. None are superior to other- simply different. “Superior” implies guidelines and parameters in single format, where student makes their own parameters. In this reason, Patron creates “goals” for every assignment on workshop table. This sets the parameters of success, so guidance and teaching can have same reference frame. With similar reference frames, constraints toward achieving success metrics now become more easily constructed, and guidance can be more greatly useful for student.

Patron often has found that single, simple, offhand comment made in helpful intent that also exists outside of common frame of reference for success metrics can do more damage than help when teaching student. Patron has many stories in similar where lesson learned on being aware driven greatly home by painful impact. Most important to know what student seeks to learn, and often times student cannot articulate for themselves in simple terms. Discussing subject, student’s awareness, desires, and personal views help inform frame of reference from which constraints and victory conditions may be defined. In addition, be careful of those within earshot. Conversations are words. Without context, words can have interpretations that leave wounds. Patron’s guidance very focused on leaving minimal wake while highlighting options on paths for students to follow. Thus, patron’s most important lesson circles around being patiently observant: Watch. Listen. Understand. Obtain consent. THEN act. (or speak. .. Or teach).