Picture this:
The stage is all set, tech-checks in place, and after an unprecedented 1.5hour delay that even made grown-ups cranky, we’re finally ready to roll out the training on #negotiationskills in Kanpur.
After much ado, we pick pace and bam! About a quarter of a session into the program, when comes the most theoretical and technical part, a massive technical snag results into a power outage! Obviously a few moments were spent on trying to fix the glitch but to no avail!
Now, since a lot of time was already lost in the start, another delay would be an abomination. In that moment I went like “this CANT be happening to me, the very first time I’m delivering a program in Kanpur and that too, for such mature audience.”
But then I took a breath, grabbed some water, pulled out the good ol’ white board (they had a miniature one with a broken isle at that) and began the traditional way, in black and white.
Videos were replaced by stories and narration, and a list of anecdotes. Technical points were explained using impromptu role plays, slice of life incidents, and group wisdom harvesting.
What helped:
> Full and Complete mastery on content, knowing it like the back of your hand.
> Non-dependency on resources- being able to carry on the session even without power or ppts
> Agility in thought and execution of plan B
> Focusing on the outcome, not the tools, activities and resources and re-working the framework
>Fluidity
Today’s Wins:
~ Last hour of the session, and the snag was fixed and the power was back. I breathed in a sigh of relief but the participants insisted that we continue learning as is, and not go back to Plan A
~ Successfully holding space and conducting over 3 hours of a session with no in-room support and resources; bare-handed facili-training
~ Receiving a standing ovation by the overwhelmed and overjoyed participants; followed by some really kind words.
Personally speaking, I went from:
I CAN’T believe this ~> I CAN do this ~> Holy shit I can’t believe I DID THIS!
Going to be basking in this high for quite some time now. This feeling is inexplicable. Can still feel the adrenaline thumping in my ears as I write this!
Thank you, Kanpur.
PS- can’t share any photos due to client contracting. But here’s the weather I was soaking in mere minutes before the training began, not knowing what I was walking myself into. Literally, the calm before the storm!
From CANTpur to CANpur
