Branding
Have you ever heard of “docendo discimus?” You’ll see it on the bottom of many of my (original) emails. I have used a “tagline” on my email “signature” for many years. It represents, in a few short words, what message you hope to convey to the recipient (and anyone who receives your message as forwarded by other readers). I have had several taglines, to include “if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem” and a quote from Seneca that I found while reading the General’s Daughter . . . but that one escapes me.
Back to my current tagline and why I entitled this “branding.”
I was in correspondence with a well-known CJ author, and noticed on his email he had “.” Not wanting to miss out on an opportunity to converse, I Googled it, and found it means “.” I thought about the learning process I had just gone through, and realized that it crossed many disciplines, including psychology, marketing, and even Latin studies.
I then went searching for my own Latin phrase.
I enjoy teaching, and my teaching style and philosophy was catalyzed during an evening college class I was taking during my quest for a Bachelor of Science degree. Without solicitation, the Professor told the class, “If you come to class and do your work, you will receive a C. If you try really hard, you will receive a B or a D. I don’t give A’s or F’s.”
At the time I was not interested in devoting the time necessary to receive an A in the class. I was, however, intrigued – if not challenged – by his comment. I approached the Professor after the class session that night and asked what was required to receive an A in one of his classes. He responded that in order to receive an A, one must “come prepared to teach.”
Applying that philosophy as a student, I subsequently received several As in his classes, but the thought-process I received was of much greater significance than my GPA. When the teacher and the students “come prepared to teach,” the level of discussion is raised. I encourage you to apply this philosophy. Try it for a week, or two, or three. I realize it’s “different,” but I assure you that your “educational experience” will never be the same.
(Mock)
I happened across docendo discimus (do-”ken-dO-’dis-ki”mus), which means “we learn by teaching.”
I call it a “brand” because it serves the same purpose. In the business world, a brand is used to define you, do provide a visual and intellectual reminder of your calling – what you do.
All I need now is a logo.
Carter
