Adopting the Right Approach

When attending a training session, is the goal to acquire knowledge and skills, or merely to receive the lessons?

The distinction between these two approaches can significantly impact the outcome of the training experience.

While trainers aim to provide value to participants, certain factors lie outside their control—one of the most crucial being the mindset of those entering the classroom.

When participants attend a session with the intention to receive, they tend to adopt a passive role—listening, observing, and expecting the trainer to deliver the knowledge without active engagement. This approach often makes the session one-sided, placing the responsibility for success squarely on the trainer, even if the participants remain disengaged.

In contrast, attending a training session with the mindset to acquire knowledge and skills fosters a more assertive and proactive attitude. Participants take the initiative to interact, ask questions, and fully engage with the material and the trainer, turning the session into a collaborative effort.

This shift from a passive to an active mindset transforms participants into active learners, allowing them to gain more from the experience. They move beyond being mere spectators to truly engaging as participants, ensuring they take ownership of their learning journey.

So, the next time you have an opportunity to attend a training session (hopefully willingly of course), try to go in with the intention of "acquiring" instead of "receiving" the lesson. See if the experience turns out differently for you.