Standing Team Thoughts in Doha:

On a long layover in Doha, I decided to plop myself down to write my blog in a very chaotic airport.  This past week was overwhelming.  In fact, ECB overwhelms me in two ways: the first, there is clearly more work there than one Charlie can simply do at any given time of the day; the second, I am constantly re-energized with the extraordinariness that the IWG agencies have created in ECB.  Last week's Training of Trainers (TOT) was just such an experience. 

 

I can certainly recount the various key learning points that all of the participants walked away with:

 

1)     Preparation is critical

2)     There are many things one can do to minimize difficulties such as: bring your own mini-facilitator's tool kit, concentrate on breathing, engage and stroke the egos of the dominant forces in your group, find a co-trainer to help you, have a back-up plan when technology fails you, and there are many more…

3)     As a trainer, it is important to take care of yourself (get enough rest, drink lots of water, etc)

4)     Clarify objectives with your participants

5)     Be familiar with and tailor your training to the various types of learners

 

While there were all of these lessons that came out of the objectives from this particular TOT, there were a few others I would personally like to highlight.  Some of these are not likely to make it into the headlines of any report:

 

On Feeding Back

After our session as "real trainers," we had a feedback session.  I actually remained completely engaged for an entire 3 hour block of time.  I was impressed and enthralled with this stage of our development as future Good Enough Guide Trainers. 

 

Led by Guru Christophe, we walked through a lengthy, but extremely productive process by which we reflected on each individual's strengths, styles, challenges, and weaknesses in their training session.  I was awestruck as to how comfortable and respectful the atmosphere was in the room.  The 8 ST members were both honest and supportive.  Even more so, I have come to realize what an amazing opportunity this was to have a group of colleagues and a professional trainer give you very clear advice to improve your training methods!   

 

On Co-Facilitators

Even on further contemplation, I came to the following lessons learned from my colleagues:

1)     Without realizing it, we all gravitated to a certain side of the room

2)     Body language can make a difference in drawing people into the training session or putting up a barrier

3)     Smiling makes it better

4)     Breathing probably makes it better than smiling

5)     While it is helpful to have another co-trainer to share workload in training, a group of 8 carries a great deal of coordination, style, and logistical difficulties

6)     On the other hand, a large group feedback session afterwards can highlight a weakness and without even realizing it, someone else providing feedback can propose a solution or a tip to assist you!

7)     Constructive feedback can resonate with more folks than for just the person it was intended.

8)     There are many different ways to run a module than just the way it was written

 

On The TOT Trainers

Christophe and Emma did an excellent job with the TOT.  I was not surprised, just once again very impressed! Their styles were very complementary and captivating.  They engaged all of us all of the time, through a great deal of interactive games and activities. I really appreciated the honest advice, feedback, materials, and tools that they provided us. 

 

They also made room for the participants to lead their own sessions and share their experiences with accountability training – some having already utilized the Good Enough Guide.  Joshua's demonstrations of his work in Sri Lanka just simply blew all of us away.  Claire and Erynn shared their experiences with the Guide in Sudan which we all walked away from with some lessons shared.  Therefore, I must say that there was also a lot of learning from others' experience at this TOT. 

 

Other Lessons Learned during the Week

While the workshop was certainly great, I also learned the following:

1)     Kimmie and I will probably be on the next cover of the magazine, "Professional Camel Racing Enthusiast" after our rather expeditious coverage of the final 2.5 kilometers of Petra.

2)     There is apparently quite a bit of debate surrounding the number of steps it takes to reach the Monastery in Petra: Is it 950, 1000, or 1200? Before climbing it seems to be around 950, climbing – it becomes 1200 and on the way down it becomes 1000.  In reality – it is probably only 500 – I am certain it just becomes a "big fish" story in hindsight.

3)     Dead Sea Mud really makes your skin feel good, but make sure you leave the Mövenpick without streaks on your face that look like warpaint.

4)     Floating in the Dead Sea for a while has a high return on feeling rejuvenated after an action packed week of the Bermuda Learning Triangle (Instructing, learning, and facilitating)

5)     Sleep on the plane - Petra, Dead Sea, and Mt. Nebo are doable in a day and a half!

 

Charlie Ehle

Emergency Response Specialist

Catholic Relief Services

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