Trainer or Facilitator?

On 17th July 2020, I had the privilege to be the Trainer for the Presidents of about 20 Toastmasters Clubs in the District-sponsored Club Officer’s Training. In the past years, I have had the opportunity to do similar programs with Vice Presidents of Education and Public Relations. This time it was different.

One night before the program, I got the list of participants and I must admit that I was overwhelmed upon seeing names of Toastmasters who had spent significantly many more years in this journey than I did. They had also performed various leadership roles, that I never did. What would I train them? And how?

Given that it was going to be on a virtual platform, there was another layer of interesting complexity to grapple with. Yes, I was trained earlier by an amazing trainer from the District and was equipped with all the wherewithal to go out there and share. Yes, Corporate Leadership training is something that I have been imparting for many years now for various leadership levels. However, this program was different, and this group was special. Voluntary leadership and Servant Leadership is a different ballgame.

I am no trainer with any superior information, experience or knowledge. I am no trainer who could simplify the profound wisdom, distilled over the years and serve the magical nectar droplets to the parched throats of leaders thirsty for transformation.

How can I make a difference? How can I make it different? – these are questions, that haunt me before every speaking engagement. It troubled me that I could not find convincing answers to these until I noticed the use of the word ‘Facilitator’ in the manual and like magic the entire exercise appeared easy for me.

I certainly am a facilitator and this perspective made the entire experience memorable and worthwhile. I could facilitate the program by harnessing the collective wisdom of the participants, the ‘moderated’ experience sharing and the precise training content.

When the frame of reference shifted from ‘Trainer’ to ‘Facilitator’, we all became ‘co-learners’, ‘co-teachers’, ‘co-trainers’, ‘co-operators’, ‘co-ordinators’ and ‘collaborators’! (The last word also could have done with a hyphen, for the purpose of symmetry, right?) 🙂

I remain infinitely thankful to all the Participants who have made the program successful. Personally, it was a very gratifying and a memorable experience, thanks to the overwhelming messages of appreciation and encouragement.

Thank you.

I loved to train.

Now, I love to facilitate!