Many of us may not think of ourselves as educators but are in fact playing roles that require teaching – be it mentoring junior team members and guiding less experienced peers at work, or even at home, as parents to children. Dr Gabriel Yee, Medical Lead at BVCH, shares some lessons from Justice Pao for us to be better teachers and learners!
I teach Family Medicine residents in SKCH as well as Sengkang Polyclinic. At work, I seize opportunities to share and educate staff on various areas from clinical matters to self-care and mindfulness.
Recently, I have been watching Justice Pao – a Chinese drama series set in the Song dynasty about an outstanding court judge. This fictional show has taught me many lessons applicable in real life!
Create a safe learning environment
The "famous" Grievance Gong was created by Justice Pao for anyone to signal when in need of help. He stays approachable and impartial so things are managed objectively and nothing is personal.
Encourage critical thinking
When his magistrates face problems, Justice Pao would take in all the facts before offering invaluable advice but allowing them to maintain charge over the case.
Delegate based on expertise
Justice Pao relied on his dedicated team (a fighter, a doctor, scribe, and bailiffs) for domain expertise. When he delegated tasks, he took responsibility for the consequences, even the undesirable ones such as having to face the emperor's wrath and being demoted to a commoner.
Staying humble
Justice Pao ensured that his staff reflected critically on their practices and the veracity of their knowledge. He often shared his dilemmas with his staff and this consultative approach helped them co-create solutions that were better than his original one.
An adaptation from a Lianhe ZaoPao commentary by Dr Gabriel Yee
Dr Gabriel clinched the AM•EI Golden Apple Outstanding Young Educator Award in September 2022. He was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of London in April 2023.
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