Wow! 2022 has been a big year! 127 trainings + keynotes (74% virtual + 26% F2F). As a comparison, 2021 was 80% virtual + 2020 was 82% virtual. F2F is increasing for 2023 - with 45 trainings/ keynotes already booked, it is currently more than 50% F2F!??
Importantly though, as I am a big on a growth mindset, what have I learned in 2022?
1.?Get the right work/ life balance!
- The challenge has been how to not take on too much work so that life is not too stressful and to stagger work so I am able to be fully prepared for each session. My achieved aim is always to ensure each session is tailored (never rote!) to be the most engaging, relevant and beneficial for attendees. That has meant, on occasion, saying NO to a keynote or training!
2.?Stick to my lane of conflict, communication + (team) culture!?
- I have been asked to facilitate trainings outside of this scope and although there might be some connection to my topics, it is often a lot of work for little reward (if I can’t use it again). In addition, I have become more assertive in sharing with clients what I know works - particularly around venue set-up + the amount of content that can reasonably be delivered in a session (not trying to fit 3 trainings in 0.5 day or 2 keynote topics in 1)!
3.?Overcome limiting beliefs!
- Presenting the same keynote topic to 2 different groups on the same day with vastly different reactions was extremely useful for me to overcome a limiting belief that held me back. The first group (of about 40) were highly engaged, had heaps of fun and gave wildly enthusiastic feedback about how amazing the session was. The 2nd group on the same day (400+) was a lot more subdued and tentative in their reactions yet still positive feedback was received as to its effectiveness.?It taught me that each group will respond differently and just because they aren’t super extroverted, it doesn’t mean they are not learning or finding it beneficial. So, the learning is to accept people where they are at (match + mirror) and not take it personally!?
4.?Receive reasonable/ unreasonable feedback!?
- As a trainer/ speaker, I receive continual feedback from attendees.?Now, I am keen on feedback - I want to grow as a trainer/ speaker so I do want helpful feedback. However, it does need to be reasonable (helpful + constructive) vs unreasonable (dumping + projecting). It is learning what to listen to + take on board and what to ignore + discard!
5.?Be choosey who I work with!?
- Most clients I work with (NFP/ corporate/ government) are great to work with. However, I’ve had a couple this year that weren’t - non-responsive or cherry-pickers, adversarial in approach or just plain unethical. I have slowly learnt to stop fearing losing clients and putting up with bad behaviour. It is now my experience that if you do the right thing over and over, you will also find others with similar values and attract great clients that work the same way.?
6.?Being spontaneous in a training or keynote!
- Using the moment - trusting your intuition to try something (even if a bit risky) to engage the audience. I may morph into a challenging adolescent or a difficult team member in a role play for those in the virtual mediation training to draw out concerns/ key issues. Or?I may draw out audience reactions in a keynote and then play with that reaction - having fun and making it memorable. Often those moments will create laughs, engagement and bring us all into the present!?
So, those are my insights for 2022! Thank you to the many wonderful organisations that have invited me to train + speak - many I work with repeatedly. Also, thanks to those that attended the open virtual trainings.?
And for those of you, I am yet to meet and work with, I look forward to the opportunity in 2023! Here are my trainings and keynotes – I am more than happy to have a chat about the learning needs of you, your team + organisation.
Have a great break and until 2023,
Check out the video below (click on subtitles on YouTube footer)
