eKourier April 2018

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Education Is A Two Way Street

I recently commenced reading a book “Any Given Team” by Ray McLean (no relation) and in the preface he provides an example as follows “Sometime ago I saw a cartoon that to me illustrated perfectly the gulf that exists between learning and teaching. Featuring Stripe the dog and some young boys, Stripe’s master says proudly, ”I taught stripe to whistle”. His friends cock their ears listen and wait…Eventually one of the boys says,”I can’t hear anything”. Stipe’s Owner, still looking pleased with himself replies, “Oh no I, I only taught him. He didn’t learn anything.” It made me think. It is that time of year where the preparation for Skillbuilder brings ones thoughts to the preparation that goes into each and every session. Probably for me I enjoy the opportunity to learn from Team Members not only at Skillbuilder but all sessions we present. The past couple of Skillbuilders I have been able to take concerns back to the Operations Team to get clarification and in some cases even change to Best Practice on behalf of Team Members. I take great pride in being in a position where I am able to listen to Team Members and present their concerns and more importantly get a result. It is interesting to consider the make up of each session. Where possible we try and create a blend of experience with the

attendees. It is interesting to note often Team Members will sit next to someone they know, which is all well and good for the social aspect, although I often wonder if they are taking responsi- bility for their learning? How will I learn more? How can I be of benefit to others in the room? Is there something more I can contribute? How can I set myself to capture the most out of the learning opportunity presented to me? Why not instead of sitting next to my friend sit next to the newest person in the room, someone I have never met before? Why not instead of sitting next to my friend sit next to the newest person in the room, someone I have never met before? If I sit next to the newest person in the room I could share my experience, offer valuable feedback, maybe even help them understand the FREEDOM we have at Kennards. I might learn from them valuable sales tools from a prior background or an understanding of the challenges faced in different geographical locations. ‘ ‘

These in turn may introduce me to issues I may face in the future. Personally the wide variety of cultures amongst Team Members is such a bonus, consider what you can learn culturally. Which may help you in your centre, either this time or the next? I suppose the upside to this is what I can learn from them. Think about what you may have to offer, it may not be in the form of giving information but possibly a subtle question to help them see things from a different perspective. My question to offer here is why would two Team Members with ten plus years’ experience sit next to each other? Wouldn’t the value be in trying to find an opportunity to work with someone less experienced and provide a more valuable experience for both? Post any of our programs we offer Feedback sheets. Occasionally I see comments suggesting we set up sessions so the more experienced are separated from the least experienced. Is it possible that as a Team Member working at Kennards when I attend any educational opportunity; New Employee Training, Operational Excellence, PEP or even Skillbuilder ,that once I enter the room I am still a Team Member just a different Team? Bill McClean Training & Development Manager

14 Kennards Kourier April 2018