So the downside to an electronic soap dispenser is that when
it is not working then there is not obvious manual way to access the soap... NOT
smart in a non high class Ghanaian guest house – I am just saying... Anyway,
that is actually not the topic for today’s ranting. Neither is the persistent mosquitoes
who consequently ignore my several forms of repellent or the on again off again
internet – even my modem!!! ARGH. No
today’s ranting is about something completly different...
To learn
Last week I was in a training to learn something, or at
least test my knowledge, so that when I train someone else, I have a basis for
what I am trying to convince others of (aside from just being right, because I am me)...
This week I am in a training to be sure I have an
understanding of the knowledge our partners will obtain during this training.
Now, in theory that sounds like a great idea. In practise, not so much.
The facilitator is as such capable enough, has lots of
practical knowledge etc. I just disagree with his methodology, his perception
of certain concepts and their use - and he sounds more like a preacher than a
facilitator. This latter element was actually commented on by a participant
today: “if this was a congregation, you would be a very successful preacher” to
which the answer was “that is just how I talk”...
anyway, back to the point, which is: I came here with an objective of gathering a learning
- Which I am getting. So I should be content, but I am not. All day I have been
fighting anger fits. Why? - because the facilitator is countering what I have been telling and will
tell the partners in the future. He is using a different format to explain concepts and he
uses examples that are not logical. When I address it he tells me “I have to
cater for everyone, some are more advanced, but I have to include those less
advanced also”. -Yes you do, so for that exact reason you should be giving
examples that are not controversial... I don't get it. Why give an example that will spare a debate when you are trying to teach someone about a concept and how to use it, especially if this is the first time they hear about it???
Problem
The real problem now arises within me. Instead of paying attention to the process of the
day, I have been cross armed and sulky faced. Which, unfortunately, says quite a
lot about me. when did I get so arrogant that I refused to believe that someone that has a different perception than me is just wrong?
I am not sure I like this me. Confident, yes, fine... but, I think I might have gone a bit over the top - and I think I might have let on (with a particulat tone of voice and the words - I completely disagree) that I did not entirely see eye to eye with him today...
Solution
So I have made a decision - I need to learn to be more receptive, and put myself back in a 'learning' mode, as opposed to my current, 'I know better than you mode'. Now I just need to figure out how I do that... but how hard can it be...??? :/
