This Tip looks at one of my most embarrassing training moments with a brand new client.
One of my own most embarrassing training moments happened a number of years ago. It was so long it ago, in fact, that it occurred before there was even PowerPoint!
I Had a Very Long Day
I had facilitated an all-day training program, taught a different program that evening, then hit the road very late to drive to the city where I was going to conduct a strategic planning session the next day. I had my materials and colored overheads in a bag with my ever-present bottle of diet Coke. Unfortunately, the bottle spilled, getting sticky Coke all over everything.
I Had a Sleepless Night
I spent the entire night washing, blow-drying, and recoloring the overheads! Exhausted in the morning after my stressful and sleepless night, I had no time for breakfast. I dressed and dabbed cover-up under my eyes so I wouldn’t look like a tired raccoon. Then I put on a smile and went to meet the gentlemen on the board of a national corporation. They had come from around the country for a day of strategic planning. This was to be my very first experience with them. Everything went fine as I entered the room and was introduced to the group.
I Tripped
Then I took one more step and tripped, landing in the lap of a very surprised CEO! Well, after the frustrating night I had endured, I can’t tell you how tempted I was to simply struggle out of his lap and run for the hills (or at least my hotel room)! Instead, I:
- got out of his lap,
- stood up with as much dignity as I could manage, and
- told the astonished group: If we do a good job with the strategic planning today, I will sit in EACH of your laps!
Everyone laughed with me (much better than at me!). After that the session proceeded very well. (And no, I did NOT sit in any more laps- either accidentally or on purpose.)
I learned a number of things from this experience:
- Do not travel with a bottle of soda in the same bag as your materials or overheads!
- Everyone is human, including me, and so mistakes will happen.
- You have to see the humor in embarrassing situations and be able to laugh at yourself.
- People are very forgiving and relax if you don’t take the embarrassing moment too seriously.
If your organization would benefit from strategic planning assistance (without embarrassing moments), please book a call. https://laurelandassociates.com/contact/
Next week, I’ll share a funny moment that happened to another trainer whose behavior epitomized the saying: The show must go on!
