When it comes to trying new things, we all have our preference in learning style. Some people are the dive in headfirst kind, wanting to explore on their own without influence from others. Others are willing to get their feet wet, but only with support of a guide or someone who has tested the water first. Some prefer to stay on the side, comfortable where they are, needing to be convinced first how this new thing will benefit them in their lives.
As part of the Apple Learning Coach program, I’m developing my coaching philosophy and style while building skills with the #EveryoneCanCreate Apple project guides. Having coached for many years (both in the education realm and sports/fitness), I can attest to the personalization that coaching requires, as we each respond differently to learning and stretching outside of our comfort zone.
Meet the Three Personas: The Adventurer, The Tourist, The Stacationer
Energized by the thrill of the unknown and blazing new trails.
An avid traveler ready to see the sights, guidebook firmly in hand.
Loves the tried and true.
Adventurers are willing to take risks to get where they want to go. They embrace the idea of trying new foods and immersing themselves in new cultures and they don’t mind feeling like a fish out of water. They’d rather explore a city by getting lost in the labyrinth of side streets than by following turn-by-turn GPS directions. Yes, they sometimes that leads to the occasional dead end or bad meal, but that’s OK – it’s all part of the adventure.
Tourists love to explore and gather new experiences, but each leg of the journey is carefully planned and mapped out. They’ll try a new restaurant, but only after reading the reviews and checking the menu in advance. They’re disinclined to blaze new trails, but they’ll boldly go where someone else has gone before — even if that takes them out of their comfort zone. They’re willing to take the less traveled path as long as someone else is guiding them. They love getting out but hate getting lost. Sure, this traveler’s tendency to play it safe means they occasionally miss out on some hidden gems, but taking the well-planned journey is deeply satisfying.
Why risk a bad meal at the new fusion bistro in the city when you can get your favorite entree at the diner down the block? For staycationers, travel doesn’t mean straying far from home and launching into new and untried experiences — it’s about relishing the familiar and reliable. They thrive on the comfort of knowing the terrain. They’ll admit that there may be some new and exciting places to go out there, but they aren’t convinced it’s worth the hassle and stress of getting there and finding a place to park. Staying close to home means they know the ins and outs of their neighborhood like nobody else, making them local experts with plenty of insider knowledge to share.
All descriptors above are from the Apple Learning Coach program. Sketches are my own.
Who am I as a learner?
When I review the three personas, I think it really has to do with context. Just like in the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, we learn that while our goal is to approach new challenges with a growth mindset, there are some activities we fall back into a fixed mindset. (Have you seen me play golf? Fixed mindset for sure!)
When it comes to most learning, I consider myself an Adventurer first, tackling new challenges head on by trial and error. I’d rather just get my feet wet, learn what works/what doesn’t, then go back in more of a Tourist approach and learn from a guide. Here’s an example:
Music:
In 2009, I bought a ukulele. I’d never formally learned an instrument prior to that, but teaching 5th grade and taking my students to science camp, where everyone seemed to play an instrument at the highly anticipated campfire night, left me feeling inadequate. From that day (only 3 months into my 1st year of teaching), I was determined to learn how to play the ukulele by the time I returned the following November for the next science camp field trip. I struggled my way through, discovering that the first few major chords (C, G, D, A, F) were easy, but that the real breakthrough comes when you can learn the more advanced chords (E, B, minor chords, …) that unlock a wealth of songs.
The TRUE testament to my Adventurer approach was the time I showed up to my first ukulele open mic night. While I knew I had the opportunity for 2 songs or 10 minutes on stage, whichever came first, I challenged myself to play the most challenging song I knew: American Pie by Don McLean. Not only did I think this would make a good singalong and crowd pleaser, I knew that if I mastered this song, with all its chords (and 8:37 seconds of lyrics!), I could confidently come back next week and play any song in my songbook. As the saying goes, “Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.”
Fast forward, I successfully played that song (while still getting teased that I didn’t even print the lyrics, just used my phone open to UltimateGuitar’s auto scroll in case I got stuck…), and it opened up possibilities for me to learn more. I was hooked, and for years I not only played in front of my 5th grade students or at school assemblies, but ventured into the public stage at coffee house open mic nights and even a Farmer’s Market or two.
I look back on that experience and realize that my learning style is really an Adventurer at heart. I like to try on my own and discover my strengths and limitations, and then reach out for help from a mentor or guide. I’m pretty self-directed once I’m hooked on a new hobby or learning opportunity, so a lot of my coaching has come indirectly, through the seeking of mentors online- researching on YouTube, networking on social media or in person to find inspirational peers also on a similar learning journey.
What type of learner are YOU? The Adventurer? The Tourist? The Staycationer?
While it may seem like one learning style is better than another, each persona has their strengths, their challenges, and requires a different coaching style.
While the Adventurer loves to try new things and may be innovative and open to new ideas, they also may want to do too much at once, or are fiercely independent, avoiding assistance and support.
The Tourist does well with clear directions and is open to guidance, but may be hesitant to invest time if they aren’t sure the outcome. (I know you tourists… willing to try a new restaurant but only after you’ve checked the Yelp reviews!)
The Staycationer has experience and knows what works well. This person is often consistent and goal-focused, but might feel overwhelmed when trying something unfamiliar, or doesn’t have the buy-in to trying something new when the old way works just fine for them.
So which learning persona do you most identify with? In what context? While I may be an Adventurer with tech, I’m definitely a Staycationer when it comes to baking. Why change grandma’s homemade rolls recipe when it’s tried and true to rise to perfection?
Comment below and share your thoughts! 🙂