Got Fun?

Sitting on a plane recently, I was struck by how long it’s been since I read some of the
good old “basics” in my training library. I was reviewing information to revise a course
and suddenly got wrapped up in the excitement and enthusiasm I felt the first time I read
about this subject – accelerated learning. The subject is less important than the feeling of
inspiration it brought up in me.

Am I the only one who sometimes gets so caught up in keeping up that I forget the stuff
I’ve known forever? Like how exciting it is to be a part of the learning industry, to
watch people’s faces light up when they “get it” for themselves. Or learning about team
building or leadership because you’re practicing with people who are living what they
teach….or the thrill of figuring out how to solve a problem with new technology…it’s so
much fun!

We know that learners create learning from their experience, and that it’s greatly
enhanced when they collaborate with others. Our education system, originating in19th
century values, certainly did not encourage collaboration or creative thinking. One sat,
seriously shut up, and listened to the all-knowing instructor.

Today, no matter how brilliant one is, it’s pretty much impossible to keep up with
changes and technology in isolation. And when you surround yourself with other bright,
passionate, motivated people, collaboration is easy and fun. Especially if they’re a bunch
of learning and development professionals! I’ve never met one that didn’t like to share
their expertise, have you?

So just for today, I will remember how fun this industry is. And that I don’t have to be
brilliant and know everything. I just have to be smart enough to surround myself with
other L&D professionals, ask questions, share ideas, and have fun collaborating!

ASTD Houston