In the evolving field of Learning and Development (L&D), few experiences compare to revisiting familiar territories only to find them teeming with fresh ideas and challenges. The sensation is similar to revisiting your childhood home and finding a Starbucks where your favorite playground once stood. Such was my sentiment during a recent training session.
With dozens of various training gigs this year under my belt, walking into that particular room bore an air of nostalgia. Memories came flooding back, as the context was particularly unique. I wasn’t training just anyone – I was training under the watchful gaze of a former CEO, whose reputation preceded him. That in itself brings a dash of excitement and, dare I say, a dollop of trepidation. We’ve all been there: the blend of elation and nervousness, walking on the tightrope of past impressions while vying to make new ones.
Every training session prior to this had a pattern. Some were virtual, a sign of the times we live in. Others, when face-to-face, were safely ensconced in the familiar confines of the HQ. This time, however, the universe had thrown a curveball. I found myself standing in the opulent Marriott Hotel, feeling the weight of the chandeliers above and the legacy of the many luminaries who might have graced this space before.
The crowd was a mixed bag. Half the room comprised of familiar faces, like the worn-out pages of my beloved copy of ‘Animal Farm’ that I’ve read and reread. The exchanges with them felt like a warm homecoming. They nodded, acknowledging past anecdotes, a secret handshake of shared memories.
But here’s where the plot thickens. The other half of the room? Newcomers. Fresh, curious eyes, unmarred by past training experiences, brimming with expectations. They brought to the table a blank slate, on which I was to etch my teachings. And amidst the sea of these new faces, whispers echoed, “Oh, you’re the one they talked about!” Some had seen me, albeit from afar, while others knew of me from the hallowed halls of private training sessions. This duality was a conundrum. On one end, there were those with whom I shared countless tales, and on the other, a group for whom every word I uttered was a novel experience. It was a balancing act of catering to the known while enthralling the uninitiated.
By the end of day one, a revelation awaited. Those fresh faces, initially reserved, came up with gleaming eyes, stating how this training was unlike anything they’d ever experienced. The change, they noted, was personal. It wasn’t about the content or the setting; it was about the approach.
The big takeaway? Sometimes, a singular shift in our training methods can make a world of difference. The impact is often profound, altering perceptions and turning training sessions into transformative experiences. Whether you’re an L&D veteran or a newbie, remember that evolution is vital. While we cherish the old, let’s always be ready to embrace the new, and in the blend of both, magic awaits.
Lee Choong Yin
Senior Consultant, Leadersip & Management Development