Recently I was listening to recording of a session from the 2013 National Speakers Association Conference. In that session Lisa Ford talked about the NSA Conference as an opportunity for speakers and trainers to compare and contrast themselves with others in the industry. As I thought more about that statement I realized that as law enforcement trainers we need to spend time comparing and contrasting if we want to grow and develop.
By compare and contrast I am not talking about comparing yourself to other trainers and trying to be as good as or better than anyone else, or seeking to find flaws or faults in yourself or others. I am talking about comparing and contrasting methods for delivering material, running drills and engaging and involving the audience. Comparing and contrasting methods for using audio visual aides. For example some trainers use a lot of videos in their presentations (some very well and some not so well) while others like myself tend to use very few videos and use a lot of quotes and stories. Some presenters have a lot of audience involvement while others have little or none. Some presenters use a lot of technology in their presentations, while others go ‘old school’. Every presenter has a different style and a different personality. There is no one ‘right way’ to present material in an effective manner.
The ability to compare and contrast with some of the top trainers in every aspect of law enforcement training is one of the great benefits of attending the annual ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association) conference. I often talk about the benefits of the relationships developed through ILEETA and the tremendous learning that takes place at the conference both in the classrooms and discussions in the hallways and over a meal. With 150 different sessions offered at the conference, ILEETA is also the perfect opportunity to compare and contrast.
I encourage you to seek opportunities to:
- compare and contrast in an engaging and supportive environment where you can ask presenters about their style, their techniques, their failures and their successes.
- compare and contrast in an open and honest environment where you can ask for honest, specific feedback on how you can create a better learning environment for your officers.
- compare and contrast in an effort to get better.
As a trainer you need to be yourself. Once you are comfortable being yourself, strive to be a better version of yourself by comparing and contrasting with some of the best in the profession.
As a professional trainer I would strongly encourage you to attend the ILEETA Conference March 24 to 29 in Lombard, Illinois and spend some time comparing, contrasting, learning and growing.
Take care.
Brian Willis – A Man With Many Questions
At Winning Mind Training we are driven by our dedication to inspiring the pursuit of personal excellence and our belief that every law enforcement officer deserves to experience awesome training.
Have you ever wondered exactly what imagery is, how it works and how you could build it into your training programs? If you attended an Excellence in Training Course you would learn that and many more ways to take your training to the next level. Check out our website at www.brianw260.sg-host.com for a list of upcoming dates and locations for the Excellence in Training Course.
To book Brian to speak at your event or to your officers contact him at winningmind@mac.com.
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