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 the number one topic in business. The number of trainers is countless. Leadership is hot. What is the definition of leadership? It's difficult to define, isn't it? Consult ChatGPT and it goes off in all directions. You lead a company, a team, employees, your children. You steer, take responsibility, make choices, make mistakes. Many mistakes. And that, in my opinion, is precisely the crux. Because isn't good – better – best leadership inherently linked to the suffering that precedes it?
Back to the training. The day was filled with solid examples of how we, as leaders, can (and will) excel. Emphasis was placed on how to look with full attention and listen carefully to the other person in a conversation. We were motivated to eliminate procrastination and to stop avoiding conversations that you dread – with anyone – but to tackle them head-on, leading to relief.
I was on high alert all day (once I was in the front row at a Youp show…). Phone untouched in my bag. Kept somewhat aloof from discussions. But when the finale began, I put my finger up to say that I absolutely did not agree with this last statement. There are certain people you just can’t talk to. Not now. Never. Think of types like Trump – people for whom listening is not an option. Relief certainly doesn't follow, but frustration does.
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
