TRAINING OR FACILITATION?

We use the term training inaccurately – there is the learning of repeated actions and skills that may be legitimately termed training – that seems fine.  What about the various workshops and sessions that are geared towards shifts in attitudes or perspective changes – which, for want of a better word, we also term as training? That is a misnomer … - we cannot train individuals to change their attitudes or modify their behaviours – not unless they want to – Perhaps the more accurate term would be that we facilitate change.   So – here I am – not a trainer – but A Change Facilitator ….

THE CHANGE FACILITATOR  

Everything changes. The universe is in a state of flux.  If for some reason I chose not to change – that does not mean I can influence my environment or convince my contacts to stay the same – hence, as they change – my relationship with each of them inexorably will change too.  Should we have a pact and all decide to stay the same… we can only do so if we isolate ourselves for all other stimuli and yet, still have to cope with the march of time that will lead us to change.   Change is inevitable. Deal with it.

Yet very many people fear change.  There is great comfort in doing things the same way, day after day; dealing with people the same way, relating to people who have the same way of thinking.  It leads us to false sense of security – everyone does it – so it must be right.  And, if there are some who act differently – they must be wrong. And so,  – we come to the tyranny of conformity.   Add to this sad development – the fact that, most times, great discoveries, new approaches, daring advances are the fruit of those who just cannot stay the same – they are born of the creativity and unqueness of those gifted to dare to be different – we see the paradox of every society since time began:  

• Do we encourage sameness – and build strength in unity of thought and purpose?
• Or do we foster variety and differences to allow for new input that will move us forward with time and space and new beginnings?

The wise leader finds the balance.

The change facilitator assists individuals and organisations in developing the skills that help them discern the balance.  

Friday, 9 May 2008