Power from the People

As a trainer, I am often charged with taking a germ of an idea, nurturing it, and growing it into a full-fledged course. Most of the time, I work alone, at the keyboard of my computer, putting information together. Occasionally, I have the pleasure of working closely with those on the front-lines. One of my current projects, what my colleagues at the local community college and I call an “Ambassador” program, is heavily dependent on input from the outside. Geared toward those who work directly with tourists (we affectionately call them visitors), the program provides a background of the area, things to do, places to go, mixed with a heavy dose of customer service.

Yesterday was the second of two sessions meant as a sort of focus group to determine what, if anything is missing, inaccurate, or needs to be added? I had a small but powerful group of ladies who work at the official visitor center and are often visitors’ first point of contact when coming into the area. All generously offered their opinions and stories about encounters they have had. I want to use this post to thank them because their willingness to speak frankly is what will make this training the best it can be.