They are all better than you are….

In blog post back in January my favourite blogger and dispenser of wisdom Seth Godin wrote, “Everyone is better than you are… (at something). Which makes it imperative that you connect and ask for help.”

When I read this I was struck by the applications of this philosophy to the world of training. No matter how good you are as a trainer, there is always someone better than you in some element of training. Better at:

• Managing difficult audiences.
• Creating engaging PowerPoint / Keynote presentations.
• Telling relevant and thought provoking stories.
• Asking great questions.
• Answering difficult questions.
• Conducting research.
• Synthesizing existing research.
• Connecting the dots and helping people understand the applications of the research.
• Making training sticky.
• Marketing their services.
• Incorporating humour into their presentations.
• Writing performance objectives and lesson plans.
• Writing engaging articles and blog posts.
• Working the room at a networking event.
• Leading others.
• Creating a culture of greatness in an organization.
• Developing new content.
• Reinventing themselves.

The list is almost endless, but you get the point.

As law enforcement officers and trainers we are not always good at “asking for help” in order to get better. If however, we are not willing to acknowledge the areas we need to improve and seek opportunities to improve then we are doing a disservice to the men and women we have the privilege of serving through training.

Here are 7 Action Steps you can take to “connect and ask for help” and learn from those who are better than you in certain areas:

1. Read. There are a ton of great books, articles, blogs and resources available to help you learn and grow.
2. Listen. Listen to audio books and podcasts.
3. Join. Join the Excellence in Training Academy Community. This is a membership site created for trainers like you who want to invest in their personal and professional growth and development all year long (without the need to travel). There are currently 12 webinars and over 70 interviews in the Member’s Area of the site and new content is added every week. Check out the complimentary webinar and interview at www.excellenceintrainingacademy.com then use the code eitblog to join and get the first month’s membership (Individual or Training Unit) free.
4. Attend. Attend workshops, seminars and conferences even if you have to pay your own way. Attend the ILEETA Conference March 20 to 25 in St. Louis. This week will inspire, educate, engage and help you to grow as a trainer. The ILEETA conference is focused on connection and sharing with no egos and a lot of open minds and open hearts. People attend with two main questions: 1. What can I learn from you? 2. How can I be of service to you?
5. Reach Out. Reach out to your fellow trainers and ask how they handle situations, what they are reading and what they are doing to continually grow and get better. Reach out to trainers you admire and seek to engage them as mentors.
6. Take Action. We are all great at getting information and knowing what we need to do. There is a big difference however, between knowing and doing. Take action on what you learn and on the advice and direction you get from mentors and fellow trainers.

In his blog post Seth Godin went on to say, “At the same time that we encounter this humbling idea, we also need to acknowledge that you are better at something than anyone you meet.Everyone you meet needs something you can do better than they can.”

Action Step #7 is to continue to Teach and Share your knowledge, experience, skills and talents with the world so others can learn from you. There is something that you are better than everyone else at.

Take care.

Brian Willis 

Winning Mind Training – Dedicated to helping good trainers become great trainers and great trainers to deliver awesome training.  

 The Excellence in Training Academy – Where trainers come to grow. Committed to serving law enforcement trainers and leaders to help them learn and grow. 

Check out the free Introductory webinar and Featured Interview at www.excellenceintrainingacademy.com 

Join the Excellence in Training Academy using the code eitblog to the the first month membership free.  

Interested in hosting an Excellence in Training Seminar? Contact to me at winningmind@mac.com and we can work together to determine what will best suit your needs.