This week I found myself in a new space. I have been leading a 'train the trainer' course for a group of people who are learning to deliver Arbinger's training to others. Although I have been delivering this material to clients for over 4 years, and have assisted in delivering half a dozen train the trainer events - this is the first time I have flown solo with this event.
The challenge associated with being the 'expert' in the room is that there is a real risk that I will believe that I am the expert in the room. What happens then when someone challenges me or the material? Too often, over the years, I have reacted badly - much like the professor in this clip from Finding Forrester (2000):
I had a moment yesterday when the participants challenged the way I was teaching a particular point. I would like to say that I was fully responsive in the moment and accepted the feedback in the spirit of learning - but that wouldn't be the whole truth. For a moment - I felt the 'pompous professor' in me preparing to push back and defend my superiority to the class. Luckily I caught myself before the words got out. I don't know if any of them noticed - but I did.
Think about it. How many times haven't I caught myself? How many times as a teacher, as a parent, as a cop have I bristled at a challenge and punished the challenger? How many times have I squandered opportunities to learn through the eyes of others? How many times have I seen the people around me as simple 'yes-men' to the image I of my own superiority that I am trying to project?
Yesterday I was given the opportunity to learn from the students and it was such a buzz. The question is - will I be ready for the next wave when it comes along?
Food for thought...
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