When attending a training session, are you there to “acquire” the knowledge and skills or are you just there to “receive” the lessons.
The difference between the two can make a huge difference on the outcome of the training for you.
As a trainer, I always try to ensure that I give value to the participants of my training. However, I do realise that some things are beyond my circle of control. One of them being the mindset of the people coming in to the classroom.
If a person comes for a training session to “receive” then they will sit there, listen and expect the trainer to deliver the training so they can absorb what they need to absorb.
This makes the session rather one-sided with the responsibility of outcome heavily placed on the trainer’s shoulders – even if the participants were being passive on purpose.
However, if the mindset is to “acquire” the knowledge and / or skills during the training, the person should automatically be more assertive and proactive to take more initiatives during the session to gain something from the trainer and the training session.
In essence, the “acquire” mindset will drive them to be more involved and hence, be the “participants” rather than just waiting to receive like an “audience” to a show.
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.