The 21 Foot Rule and the 10,000 Hour Rule sound nice but they are soundbites created by someone who misunderstood the original information or research and as a result have created a lot of confusion, and pushback.
Stress Inoculation is a valid concept when it is understood and applied properly. Stress Inoculation however, is also a term used by some trainers as inappropriate justification for screaming, yelling and physical punishment to stress the crap out of recruits.
“For Officer Safety reasons.” and “For their safety and mine.” sound good, but are not valid legal justifications for an officer’s actions.
“Get your head on a swivel.” and “Situational Awareness” are good concepts but do people know the why, the what and the how, or is it just something they hear all the time.
“My number one mission is to go home to my family at the end of every shift.” is an honourable goal, but are just hollow words if you you do not maintain a high level of practical fitness and a high level of proficiency with your skills, tools and tactics. They are also hollow words if you go home angry, bitter, and cynical. and lash out at your loved ones or turn to the bottle.
Sound bites sound cool, but if they are lacking in substance they are of little value when it comes to performance and articulation. Seek substance, not just soundbites.
We all use soundbites, catchy phrases or acronyms to help people remember concepts. Make sure you also teach the substance, context and research, which supports those soundbites. Teach critical thinking, decision making and problems solving so they have the ability to apply those principles and concepts in a variety of environments.
Take care.
Brian Willis
Winning Mind Training – Dedicated to helping good trainers become great trainers and great trainers to deliver awesome training.
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