Failure is the Pathway to Success in Training and Development

Allow me to tell you a true story about a team member from my past. I have changed names to protect the individual’s identity. 

Louis had never delivered a training utilizing WebEx Training Center. I supported Louis by showing him how to use the WebEx tools. Louis seemed confident in his profiency saying,”I’ve used WebEx many times in the past.”

I was excited to see Louis lead this session. He is charismatic, confident and extremely knowledgeable. In addition, Louis mentioned he had done training extensively in the past. 

I attended the WebEx to support Louis for his first session on WebEx. Watching the WebEx, I realized there was significant room for improvement:

• Louis did not log into WebEx early to load  the documentation. Participants were asked to wait as he located and loaded each document. 
• Louis did not appear to review training materials before the class. I got the impression he was winging it with the PowerPoint. I could tell there was a point where he loaded the instructor guide. 
• Louis did not utilize the WebEx features as discussed in the past. He struggled to share a video with participants as he relied heavily on the “Share Desktop” feature.  

I was frustrated watching the session. Then I remembered, failure is the pathway to success.  Sometimes we need to fail to understand the value of our work.  I remember what my old boss told me years a go,”I will let you hit some pot holes but I will never let you fall into a ditch.” I was not helping Louis by jumping in and implementing the features for him. I needed him to hit those pot holes. 

I stopped correcting Louis on how to use the WebEx features and I stopped unmuting people when Louis asked them to talk. I did not enjoy watching it but it was necessary for Louis to have this experience. 

It was the end of the webinar and Louis said,”I’m sorry guys. I should have done more preparation before class.” BINGO! I knew I did the right thing because Louis has that ephiphant. 

It was not easy for me. I have high expectations and want everything to be perfect. I was extremely critical at first. Then I remembered my first WebEx ever. It was a HOT MESS. Yet, that session taught me how to lead an amazing session in the future. In training and development, we have to fail at times to find a successful solution. It’s is not a fun experience but you learn from your mistakes to find the best solution.