Last year, I attended another leadership training course because I heard that the trainer in question takes a rather controversial approach.
Anyone who steps outside the grey area in this area immediately makes me curious. After all, I have attended just too many and too many training sessions where I had to parry multiple yawn attacks before noon and felt a deep longing for the end.
At the start, we were asked (read: ordered) to give our full attention and, as such, leave mobiles in our bags or coats. The coach had a strong point there. Nothing more irritating than people who are only physically present. He had my attention. I sat up straight away. Mobile on silent far down in the bag. The trainer, type of big ego, did not shy away from immediately scolding two participants. One because he was peering at his mobile phone, the other because he walked in ten minutes after the start. Both were filleted en plein public. And this certainly had an effect on the rest of those present. The tone was set.
Leadership training is by far number one in business. The number of trainers is uncountable. Leadership is hot. What is the definition of leadership? It is difficult to define isn't it? Consult Chat GPT and it shoots in all directions. You lead a company, a team, employees, your children. You manage, take responsibility, make choices, make mistakes. Lots of mistakes. And that's exactly where I think the crux lies. Because isn't good - better - best leadership inherent in the suffering that precedes it?
Back to the training. The day was filled with solid examples of how to (start) excelling as leaders. Emphasis was placed on how to look with full attention in a conversation and listen carefully to the other person. We were motivated to eliminate procrastination and stop avoiding conversations you are reluctant to have - with anyone - and instead enter them full on, resulting in relief.
I was on my guard all day (once I sat in the front row at a performance of Youp...). Phone untouched in the bag. Kept myself somewhat aloof from discussions. But as the finale kicked in, I raised my finger to say that I definitely did not share this last statement. After all, there are some people who are impossible to talk to. Not now. Not ever. Think of types like Trump - people for whom listening is not an option. Relief certainly does not follow, frustration all the more so.
The trainer tried to lead me to another vision, but I did not follow (anymore). Afterwards, I was stopped by one of his disciples. Whether I needed help? I asked with what. Outside, in the fresh air, I needed to catch my breath.
A few weeks later, I saw the trainer, lying in a coffin, pass by in a promotional video on Linkedin. Controversial next level. I thought again about his motto: are you the leader who wants to be heard, or the one who really listens?
Marianne Kuiper
Founder Efficient Hotel Partner & Music Meeting Lounge
Intermediary in finding and booking the perfect location
