<p>This is a pretty interesting topic. Probably applies to parenting too.</p>
<p>I’ve seen several different approaches from teachers/ coaches, which might break down into these broad extremes. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>“you’re pretty good, and have great potential, and with just a few small adjustments, you’ll be really successful [with your studies, your instrument, your performance, your sport’s technique]” Encourager of competence and independence. Or, depending on the student…this is not very good, but you can really improve it if you invest in yourself. </p></li>
<li><p>"you’re flawed, but with my help and mine alone, (because I hold the Rosetta Stone of experience and insight), if you pay enough attention to me, you perhaps can climb to the lower tiers of the upper levels. But you’ll never get it right on your own…my instructions must be followed meticulously. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>The difference is between the people who want their pupils to be better than they ever were, and those who need to be regarded as the smartest most knowledgeable teacher(coach) in the room)on the court).</p>