The document discusses the concept of a "Teachable Point of View" (TPOV), which leaders use to define themselves and their values and communicate them to others. It then shares the author's TPOV, outlining four key values that guide them: 1) having a passion for learning new things, 2) finding work that is worthwhile and meaningful, 3) striving to achieve results through hard work, and 4) maintaining a balanced work and personal life. The author encourages open communication and finding enjoyment and purpose in one's work.

1. TEACHABLE POINT OF VIEW
During my time working for the Christchurch City Council I was fortunate to
attend the Keystone Leadership Development Programme, KLDP for short which
aimed to develop me as a leader.
As part of that programme one of the exercises involved the delivery of my
opening address to a fictitious new role through what was titled, “My Teachable
Point Of View”, TPOV for short.
So What IS A Teachable Point of View? Teachable Points Of View are stories
that leaders use to define themselves and their values, and to communicate with
and teach others.
One of the major reasons for sharing my TPOV is so that people can better
understand where I come from as an individual and help explain some of my
behaviors and expectations. In order to do this I will now share with you 4 key
values/beliefs that resonate with me and guide me personally through the TPOV
that I delivered during my KLDP.
Value 1 - Learn new things
As we all progress through life we are constantly learning new things through our
experiences at work and at home. We are all have different interests and
preferred methods for learning. I myself prefer to learn from hands on
experiences, "Doing" and prefer the use off audio-visual methods over reading. I
am the sort of person who would prefer to pick up a phone and hold a
conversation with someone rather than send them a text.
We learn many things because we have to. For example we might learn to cook
because we need to eat. However we may learn to cook because we have a
passion for cooking. It makes us feel good and allows us to be creative. When
we change from "Needing to" to "Wanting to" we naturally excel and achieve a
greater sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Everyone has a hobby or something they enjoy doing to pass the time and I am
no exception. From an early age I have always had an interest in science and
engineering. I would often accompany my father an electrician on call outs to the
bakery that he worked at and spend time building new gizmos or taking things
apart to see how they work. My inventiveness was welcomed and encouraged by
my parents and is likely why I pursued a career in Engineering.

2. I have a passion for science fiction, particularly the movies and like to read
articles such as "The Engineer" which is why I am willing to listen too and try
something new. However I also have a passion for History which helps me to
balance my enthusiasm for the more radical ideas with tried and tested methods.
I generally live by the principle that there needs to be good reason to change and
measurable benefits.
I would like to share with you one of the one liner’s I have learnt during my years
that often reverberates with me, "Leading edge not bleeding edge". It is ok to try
something that is new but not something that comes with a high probability of
failure or consequence.
Value 2 - Do worthwhile work
Over the years I have been fortunate to be involved with a number of varied
engineering projects across a myriad of business sectors and although on many
occasions this has required me to work long hours, stay away from home, often
under less than comfortable working environments and work under pressure to
deliver those were also some of my most enjoyable and memorable years. The
work was interesting and the rewards the greatest. Not the financially rewards
but the rewards from knowing you have done a good job, a worthwhile job that
will benefit others in years to come. So value 2 can be summarized as,
“Worthwhile, Meaningful and interesting work brings with it it’s own rewards.”
Value 3 - Strive to achieve results
It became obvious to me early in life that good results were the reward of hard
work.
I am no academic and don’t have a photographic memory. During my School,
College and University years I had to work very hard to pass my exams but I did.
I have also been a results focused individual. This comes with the turf when
working in the engineering service industry where you are looking to deliver
projects to a required standard and to program. I expect each member of my
team to do their part and pull together as a team to deliver the tasks and
objectives of our team and lend support each other while undertaking tasks.
Value 4 - Work Life Balance
This is the value I see as the most important. Hell I even emigrated to the other
side of the world because I felt so strongly about this. When you can get the
measure of balance between your work life and private/home life you will be truly
satisfied.

3. Another saying that has stuck with me through the years which I would like to
share is "Work hard and Play hard". I like to think that I work hard and expect
others to do the same when at work. The trick is to look for the positives in the
tasks that you are given. When you’re passionate and up beat about something,
working on it is fun and you lose track of time. Equally I imagine like most people
when your not enjoying work or haven't enough work to do the day drags on and
at the end of it you feel drained.
When the alarm clock wakes you in the morning I don't want you to be saying to
yourself "Not work again!". What I want is for you to be looking forward to the day
ahead, what you might learn and how you will make a difference through your
interactions with others. Equally, I want you to have some fun while at work and I
don't want you working all hours. If you’re spending too much time at work then
you haven't got the balance right. Go find another hobby or sport. Coaching and
playing football works for me.
And please, if you see me with my head down in front of my work and a frown on
my face don't see this as a sign to stay away. I might simply be that I am
concentrating or struggling to read the small print.
Finally I am looking forward to continuing to develop our working relationships
and the team and remember my door is always open and I will be more than
happy to help in any way that I can just as long as you don't ask me to tell a joke.
I have a strange incapacity for remembering good jokes.