NICK WRIGHT
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Shoes

8/12/2016

138 Comments

 
Moving from city to village was a big shift. All kinds of changes. On arrival, we took my 7 year old daughter to visit the local village school. Teachers took her around enthusiastically, explaining how the classes work, introducing her to other children, showing her the school equipment, facilities etc. On leaving, I asked her how she felt, what her impressions were. She replied, ‘Great!’ I asked her what she liked most – and she responded immediately, ‘The kids get to wear their own shoes!!’

This young girl came from a school that had a strict dress code. Black shoes were mandatory. The idea that she could choose what to wear at this new school completely transfixed and excited her. Nobody had mentioned shoes or uniform as we had taken the school tour yet this is what she noticed. In fact, it was as if she hadn’t seen or heard anything else. She noticed what she valued, what mattered most to her, and what stood out in stark contrast to what she was used to.

Gestalt psychology talks about this idea in terms of ‘figure’ and ‘ground’. ‘Figure’ is whatever stands out to us, whatever holds our attention, in the moment. ‘Ground’ is the backdrop that, in that same moment, lays largely out of awareness. It raises some very interesting and important questions such as, ‘What are we noticing – and why?’; ‘What are we aware of?’ and, conversely, ‘What are we not noticing?’; ‘What are we not aware of…e.g. that we may do well to pay attention to?’

​What we notice – and what meaning we attribute to it – is influenced by our interests, values, cultures, preferences  and concerns. We don’t simply see what is there, as if in some objective sense. We focus, filter and construe what we see so that different people see different things in the same situation, or the same person may see different things in the same situation at a different time. So, as leaders, coaches and OD – what is holding your attention? What are you not noticing?
138 Comments
Pete Mosley
9/12/2016 09:43:04 am

Thanks Nick, another thought provoking piece. Thanks!

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 09:43:51 am

Thanks Pete! :)

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Cath Norris
9/12/2016 09:44:58 am

I love this Nick. I'm always fascinated to watch other coaches work and notice what they notice, to notice the diversity in thst. It's why I love large group processes - when all of that noticing fills you fit to burst. Filling out the field of awareness.

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 09:49:09 am

Many thanks, Cath. I agree. There can be such a richness in facilitating awareness in a diverse group and noticing - and enabling noticing - what rises to the surface. There can also be value in pausing from time to time to reflect, as a group, on what we find ourselves focusing on, what is holding our attention, and we are not noticing.

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Gauhar Husain
9/12/2016 09:50:04 am

Dear Nick,
My appreciation for this very important and thought provoking article.

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 09:50:38 am

Hi Gauhar. Thank you for your kind feedback.

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Robert Hodge
9/12/2016 09:51:19 am

A lesson learned from one part of Russia some years ago -
I was told to bring good shoes. I thought that meant sturdy shoes for walking a lot, walking along dirt streets. Yes, but "good" shoes. Upon arrival, I learned that shoes were a primary symbol of status and that people might look at my shoes first to get a first impression. Later, I found the hostess of my trip shining my shoes just before I went out anywhere. So, it wasn't just good shoes, but shiny shoes to show that I had driven or ridden, not walked. I did brighten up finally to shine my own shoes, and indeed, looking at shoes did seem to define a lot more than I ever could have imagined.

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 09:53:38 am

Thanks Robert. What a great personal example of how the simplest things can carry such important cultural meaning and significance!

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Caroline Stevens
9/12/2016 09:55:44 am

Contentment of heart, regardless of restrictions, or what other's place value..."stuff" , that pre-determines value vs. good positive self esteem. We are a self awareness covertness self centered Marketing self promoting pleasures. Sad that shoes were center forefront. Soon this child will learn, marketing and the 'in style fashion will dictate what is good N not popular in a school who supposably have no restricted shoes or clothing mandated school rules.

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 10:02:48 am

Hi Caroline. It sounds like those are some of the things you are noticing in society...and what sense you are making of them. What, perhaps, are you not noticing..? I think the 'shoes' question for my daughter was partly about freedom of choice (a value that is important to her). I agree that what shoes she chooses are likely to be influenced as much by fashion/marketing and peer preferences as personal choice and what is available/affordable.

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V.S. Kumar,MCC.(ICF)
9/12/2016 10:15:25 am

What is the current situation, challenges we are in matters and guides internally so thst we observe or even missout eveon obvious things. so investing time and understanding the global picture , providing coaching can be fruitful.#coaching

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 10:21:01 am

Hi V.S. Yes, I think that is why using coaching to support reflective practice can be so valuable. It enables a person to step back from their current preoccupations and activities to reflect on wider and deeper issues, what they may signify, what choices they represent and if/why/how/when to influence or respond well to them.

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Gennifer Robbins
9/12/2016 06:44:08 pm

I love this reminder, Nick. Being fairly new to an official coaching role, I am always striving for an awareness of what is being said (on all levels...spoken and not), but I am also curious and attempting to grow in awareness of what I am missing (noticing). I agree with Cath in my love of co-facilitation to watch what others are seeing...mostly in an attempt to continue my growth. I would love to hear how others have grown in this area! Thanks again for your insights, Nick!

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 06:47:56 pm

Many thanks, Gennifer! You may find these related short pieces interesting...along with the comments that other practitioners have posted underneath them? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/not-noticing;http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/listening-for-a-voice. Let me know if anything in them resonates for you too?

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Gennifer Robbins
10/12/2016 11:40:51 am

Thank you so much for the support, Nick! It's greatly appreciated!

Nick Wright
10/12/2016 11:44:36 am

You are welcome, Gennifer. :) It struck me on reflection that you may find this piece interesting too? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/i-see-you

Gennifer Robbins
14/12/2016 09:04:14 am

Thank you, Nick. I had actually come across this saying not long ago...I love it.

Nick Wright
14/12/2016 09:04:53 am

You're welcome, Gennifer. Me too!

Ramesh Sood
9/12/2016 06:49:47 pm

Wonderful... A great story.

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Nick Wright
9/12/2016 06:50:28 pm

Thanks Ramesh. :)

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Heidi Stayt
11/12/2016 10:16:02 am

Very nicely written:-) and very true.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:16:29 am

Thank you, Heidi. :)

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Ignacio Aaron Rayu Acosta
11/12/2016 10:17:20 am

That´s true! I would like to study Coaching next year. Do you know any School in Argentina?

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:18:24 am

Thanks Ignacio. Sadly not - although the International Coach Federation (ICF) may be able to advise?

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Puja Jhunjhunwala
11/12/2016 10:19:39 am

Hi Nick, it's very well written, simple & making a significant point. As a coach, I believe coaching presence is the most essential element, as it allows one keep self separated from experiences and judgement. Being in coaching presence as a coach, I notice more of what the client is saying & not saying.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:20:54 am

Thanks Puja - and well said. You may find this related short piece interesting? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/the-power-of-presence

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Laszlo Pasztor ACC
11/12/2016 10:21:44 am

Thank you for these thoughts.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:22:14 am

Thanks Laszlo - you're welcome.

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Laszlo Pasztor ACC
11/12/2016 10:39:12 am

I'm based on Gestalt method. It is one of the bests.

Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:39:54 am

Me too, Laszlo. I certainly find it one of the most stimulating and energising of approaches.

Bob Larcher
11/12/2016 10:27:17 am

There is also the notion of “levelling” and “sharpening”.

Leveling occurs when you hear or remember something, and drop details which do not fit cognitive categories and/or assumptions; sharpening occurs when you hear or remember something, and emphasize details which do fit cognitive categories and/or assumptions.

As trainers we should probably not try to notice (or look for) anything particular; simply be open to what happens and explore it without judging it - much easy said (or written) than done!!

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:30:33 am

Thanks Bob. I think the concept of 'leveling and sharpening' is a useful addition to this topic. It connects well with phenomena such as 'confirmation bias' - the tendency to interpret new evidence (insofar as we notice it) as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.

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Mozah Al-Otaibi
11/12/2016 10:31:31 am

Very interesting to read! Thank you for sharing this, and the 2 questions at the end is a great way for trainers to reflect on their training experiences on a regular basis.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:32:19 am

Thanks for your encouraging feedback, Mozah. And you're welcome!

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Wajih Choueiry
11/12/2016 10:33:18 am

Thanks for sharing. A skill that can only be mastered by practising a lot of obsevation.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:35:26 am

Thanks Wajih. I agree...and finding ways to break out of our ordinary focus and ways of 'seeing'. This is where I find working cross-culturally particularly stimulating and refreshing.

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Edgar Smit
11/12/2016 10:36:16 am

A skill can only be mastered by practicing it.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:37:12 am

Hi Edgar. In this context, practising critical observation is the doing it!

Marta Dana
11/12/2016 10:41:07 am

Great article, thanks !

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:41:36 am

Thanks Marta! :)

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Mouayad Sa'ad al din
11/12/2016 10:42:53 am

Nice , and still waiting the different time 😉

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:43:37 am

Hi Mouayad. Sounds intriguing... Say more?

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Peter McGauley
11/12/2016 10:44:23 am

A lovely story with a real moral attached to it.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:44:52 am

Thanks Peter - much appreciated.

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Praveen Bindiganavile
11/12/2016 10:45:35 am

Excellent. Really got me thinking.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:46:11 am

Thanks Praveen. I'm encouraged to hear it!

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Ruby Manalac
11/12/2016 10:54:42 am

Hmmm, sometimes people do not see you for who you are. They still see you as to how they think you are. This is sad. It means a possibility for real human connection lost.

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 10:57:19 am

Hi Ruby. I think that's where psychodyamic insights can be useful, e.g. vis a vis projection and transference. I like the Gestalt question too that touches on this area: 'What is the quality of contact between us?'

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Michelle Collins
11/12/2016 06:43:55 pm

Very thoughtful read, thanks for sharing!

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Nick Wright
11/12/2016 06:44:34 pm

Thanks Michelle. You're very welcome!

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Cedar Tegan
12/12/2016 10:17:45 am

I notice how people treat cab drivers and waiters.....

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 10:19:15 am

Hi Cedar. What do you tend to notice about how people treat cab drivers and waiters? What don't you notice..?

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Rupnarayan Bose
12/12/2016 10:20:14 am

I notice the participants body language, their interaction with me or with the other participants if a question is being debated. I also wait for that "Aha" moment, the sparkle that flash in their eyes when the penny drops.

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 10:24:18 am

Hi Rupnarayan. Those sound like important things to notice. What don't you notice..?

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Stacey Ashley
12/12/2016 10:25:23 am

Thanks Nick. I think your insight not only creates opportunity for coaches, it also creates opportunity for anyone who interacts with another person. Leader, parent, teacher.....

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 10:29:28 am

Thanks Stacey. Yes, I think it applies to all human relationships.

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Andrew Davey
12/12/2016 01:40:56 pm

Very interesting article. I immediately thought of how implicit learning can be applied in a classroom context. Working in offshore BPO I was very fortunate to have one flagship training room that every new member of staff would sit in at some point during induction. To some very curious looks/feedback from colleagues, kitted the room out like a kindergarten: for example with the phonetic alphabet and British pronunciation along one wall. L is lee-mah, and not limmer which is the No5 in Tagalog. Always surprised me how many would pick up on this as their eyes wandered around the room...

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 01:47:54 pm

Thanks Andrew. Interesting how people notice different things if we change the background, culture or context.

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Eva Rondas
12/12/2016 04:17:03 pm

I can relate in two ways: As L&D professional and as a mother of a child that - when moving continents recently - also mainly observed pupils were allowed to wear their hair loose in this weird new country. Our job is to make people aware of what they haven't noticed yet.

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 04:19:22 pm

Hi Eva. I'm intrigued now to know which weird new country you are referring to - is that Belgium? Yes, and our job is also sometimes to become aware of what we haven't noticed yet.

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Anna Bugaj
12/12/2016 04:20:16 pm

Great article. To me it says that "uniforms" in any shape or form simply do not work and that applies to training. Everyone is different and there is no "one works for all" approach. It kills any enthusiasm for learning and any potential creativity. As a trainer you have to be as flexible as possible to accommodate various learning styles even within one group session. You can not make everyone wear those black shoes.

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 04:22:25 pm

Thanks Anna - and great use of the physical 'shoes' image as a graphic metaphor for what can happen in the training room.

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Kendra Walker
12/12/2016 04:32:34 pm

I notice how often it is the 'small stuff' that makes the biggest difference both in work and at home.

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 04:33:12 pm

Well said, Kendra...and what do you not notice..?

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Dave Garcia
12/12/2016 04:33:48 pm

I always keep an open mind when I am instructing and am always intrigued by what is important to some people is not important at all to others.... I agree, culture, diversity, peoples current situation and learning styles all come into play on what's important to them.

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 04:34:58 pm

Hi Dave. I agree that keeping an open mind, especially to what matters most to different people and at different times, is so important.

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Eric Hahn
12/12/2016 05:08:04 pm

GREAT lesson to grab on to Nick. You really highlighted the importance of being aware of or questioning our own filters to our ability to effectively facilitate learning and change regardless of form or format. Wonderful!

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Nick Wright
12/12/2016 05:08:48 pm

Thanks for such encouraging feedback, Eric! :)

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Richard Nielsen
13/12/2016 09:54:28 am

Outstanding lesson!

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 09:54:49 am

Thanks Richard!

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Michael York
13/12/2016 09:55:34 am

Nick, this is one the most truly reflective and insight posts I have seen in a long time!

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 09:56:13 am

Thank you, Michael - I am encouraged to hear it!

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Divya Sharma
13/12/2016 09:56:53 am

Truly insightful, Nick. I have to start noticing the unseen. ..got to make it a habit, I guess :)

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 09:58:02 am

Thanks Divya - that is a great response! I often have to choose to notice too...

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Kimberly Baxter
13/12/2016 09:58:41 am

Thank you for sharing! I agree with all the comments, very insightful and reflective read.

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 09:59:36 am

You're welcome, Kimberly! Thank you.

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Stella Connor
13/12/2016 09:59:52 am

Really interesting Nick, thank you.

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 10:00:21 am

Thanks Stella. :)

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Vinay Kumar
13/12/2016 10:01:59 am

A good article Nick. To me a partial win for an OD practitioner is even to ask the question "what am I not noticing". This increases the possibility of selective perception bias being minimized and having a more holistic view of whatever may be transpiring or under observation. This would make any OD work we do more in tune of the ground realities rather than being "grounded" in our theoretical models, systems, and processes.

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 10:03:51 am

Thanks Vinay. Yes, I agree. Another good question for an OD practitioner is, 'How am I (or are we) construing this?' That taps into insights from social constructionism and opens up fresh possibilities too.

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Donna Kopke
13/12/2016 10:04:35 am

Great article so true perception and expectation can weigh heavily on children simple freedoms can ellieviate some of thoses stresses.

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 10:06:27 am

Thanks Donna. Yes, especially if the benefits of individual freedom to choose outweigh the potential downsides of it.

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Sherry Lowry
13/12/2016 10:12:21 am

A Most thought-provoking post, Nick.

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 10:12:45 am

Thanks for your kind feedback, Sherry.

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Devender K Jatav ISDS
13/12/2016 10:14:02 am

In class, they observe my body language, confidence and conviction in my lectures ....... more it is......more it is to their liking to grab their attention....

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 10:16:16 am

Hi Devender. Yes, how we presence and conduct ourselves has an influence on others in the group - as much, perhaps, as any content we may be presenting. That is something of what they notice. What do you tend to notice - and not notice - in those who attend your lectures..?

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David Noer
13/12/2016 10:17:23 am

One thing I find is differences in conceptualizations of meaning. A personal example: near the end of a team development session the leader said “I’d like some feedback.” I responded by facilitating a process where the group gave him personal feedback. After the session, he told me that he would “still like some feedback” and it became clear that he was asking for the group to give him feedback about the value of the session, not requesting personal feedback. I think we often become trapped in our own meaning making paradigms and fail to appreciate others.

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 10:21:12 am

Hi David. Thanks for sharing such a great example of differences in meaning-making and, possibly, values too. It reminds me of a time when a team member asked me for feedback after she had presented to a large group. I was her new team leader at the time. I managed to pause for a moment and to ask, 'What are you asking for...affirmation or critique?' What would you find most helpful at the moment?' She laughed and looked relieved and replied, 'Affirmation! You're my new team leader and I want to know I did OK in your eyes.' I am so glad I had asked!!

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T White
13/12/2016 03:50:54 pm

This is a great illustration of how important those of us who are responsible to "train" others really think through the individual learner in every circumstance. We must understand who our audience will be and make an effort to speak directly to those learners. I've found in my experience that everyone wants to know, "How does this (training/change) impact me?"

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 03:53:04 pm

Thanks T. I think one way to do that is to ask of ourselves what we are noticing...and sometimes not noticing...about the audience. This calls for a spirit of openness and curiosity.

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Maria Owczarek-Berger PhD
13/12/2016 03:54:30 pm

As a coaches we can notice body language, tone of voice etc. But to know what body movement means we have to ask the client the same way like you do to your daughter. It was great open question: "What you liked most?". Without asking we are able to see mostly this what is matter for us or what was matter to our previous clients.
For the same reason is difficult to judge happiness of other people.

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Nick Wright
13/12/2016 03:55:49 pm

Hi Maria. I think that's why curiosity and inquiry are so important and valuable. It helps prevent us making assumptions and engages the other in exploration and dialogue with us.

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Stephen Thrift
14/12/2016 09:01:53 am

In my experience, one of the most useful things to note when coaching is when the client's tone or body language changes, even subtly. They may not notice this, so when you point it out, it can help them to realise that something is important to them and they might want to take action on it.

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Nick Wright
14/12/2016 09:03:02 am

Hi Stephen. That's a good example of raising the client's awareness of something they may not be noticing.

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Tim Dyke
14/12/2016 09:14:16 am

Reading more about Figure and Ground - an interesting area.

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Nick Wright
14/12/2016 09:16:55 am

Hi Tim. Yes, I find it fascinating...and useful. You may find this related short piece interesting? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/invisible

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Tuncel Gulsoy
14/12/2016 09:18:11 am

Very interesting Nick, I would like to add that what we see is also related to the society, group or friends we have.

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Nick Wright
14/12/2016 09:19:44 am

Thanks Tuncel. Yes, I agree...which relates to the 'interests' and 'cultures' aspects of our filters.

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Alubba Fenix
14/12/2016 10:58:22 am

Good question. This is where curiosity becomes so powerful as tool to open new awareness, being humble and curious can lead to the most amazing insights. Another question I'd ask here, however, is where are you willfully blind? Where is there something that you have noticed, but, you are choosing to not pay attention to?

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Nick Wright
14/12/2016 10:59:08 am

Thanks Alubba. That's a great question!

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Simon Gibson
14/12/2016 11:02:17 am

Worth a read.

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Nick Wright
14/12/2016 11:02:41 am

Thanks for the recommendation, Simon.

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Judy Krings, Ph.D.,PCC
14/12/2016 12:12:39 pm

Lovely post and thanks. What are we as positive psychology coaches not noticing? Great powerful question. Added to that, when we deeply listen, what do we notice our client is not noticing arising within their mind, heart and gut? How can we mindfully let go and let our intuition blossom?

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Nick Wright
14/12/2016 12:14:44 pm

Thanks Judy. Great questions! We can also ask e.g. what we are not noticing within ourselves as we are coaching the client, that - if we were to become aware of it - could be of benefit to the client.

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Gail Winwood
15/12/2016 08:43:40 am

Thank you Nick, really appreciate this insightful reminder. On a similar vein and in common with your daughter being shown round personally. When facilitating within in a large public organisation the thing often highlighted as a positive indicator was the fact that I greeted every learner personally and shook their hand, apparently this didn't happen on other courses.

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Nick Wright
15/12/2016 08:46:25 am

Thank you, Gail. Yes, it's interesting to notice how simple things can carry great symbolic significance. On the shaking hands theme, you may find this short piece resonates for you? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/the-power-of-presence

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Gail Winwood
15/12/2016 04:45:02 pm

Thank you for your link Nick - and yes it did resonate!

Nick Wright
15/12/2016 04:45:28 pm

Thanks Gail. I'm pleased. :)

Carol Ridlington
15/12/2016 08:47:10 am

Thanks Nick! Reminds me of a great 'pause for though' on the radio once that serves as a useful jolt in a training environment - "look around you at everything that's black (or whatever is the predominant colour) in your room, close your eyes and focus on those objects... Now (eyes closed) tell me about everything that's purple! What are your blind spots?

I know this is a different lesson to what we just learned from your post but thanks anyway for reminding me of it!

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Nick Wright
15/12/2016 08:47:51 am

Thanks Carol. I love that idea!! :)

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Joe Tassinari
15/12/2016 08:56:26 am

Not noticing the negative aspects of others I use to judge. I am getting good at noticing their beauty :-)

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Nick Wright
15/12/2016 08:57:11 am

Hi Joe. Something in that reminds me of appreciative inquiry (AI).

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Heidi Stone
15/12/2016 10:26:16 am

I notice I am not worried about what I am not noticing anymore. I am happier, more fulfilled and content when I pay attention to that which I am noticing because that is what's in alignment with my values. Lovely insight from your daughter, kids teach us a lot about being in the present.

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Nick Wright
15/12/2016 10:27:01 am

Hi Heidi. Sounds like you have noticed that too much attention to not-noticing can itself become an interference to our coaching practice!

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Heidi Stone
15/12/2016 02:32:58 pm

Yes Nick, where our attention goes, our energy flows and aligns to AI and not the normal "whats not working" model. Lets appreciate whats before us, what we recognise and also be grateful that we're not noticing everything otherwise our minds would blow a gasket - very messy ;) Kids minds work wonderfully until we try to convince them otherwise..animals too!

Nick Wright
15/12/2016 02:37:16 pm

Hi Heidi. Yes, that's one reason why selective noticing is so valuable, especially in terms of enabling focus and avoiding blowing gaskets! Interestingly in AI, what we focus on and how we construe it creates rather than simply perceives the reality we see and experience. I think children can enable us to see, to create, to recreate, reality in such refreshing ways. :)

Gonzalo Lozano
15/12/2016 04:43:22 pm

What holds my attention sometimes are my own thoughts, my emotions, my sensations. Thank you for sharing.

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Nick Wright
15/12/2016 04:44:05 pm

Thanks Gonzalo. And what do you find tends to lay outside of your attention..?

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Gonzalo Lozano
15/12/2016 05:35:44 pm

Hi Nick, I probably find an unconscious perception of my surroundings.

Nick Wright
15/12/2016 05:36:18 pm

Hi Gonzalo. That sounds intriguing. Could you say a bit more..?

Gonzalo Lozano
16/12/2016 02:26:16 pm

Nick, I meant to say that in those moments I capture my reality with the part of the mind of which one is not fully aware but which influences one's actions and feelings.

Nick Wright
16/12/2016 02:26:56 pm

Thanks Gonzalo. That reminds me of intuition and tacit knowledge.

Vijendra Kumar
16/12/2016 10:04:09 am

Great article, Nick, Did you notice that your daughter was so excited because the school allows them to wear their own shoes, a personal choice along with freedom, which leads to meaningful identity? kids can teach a lot about mindfulness and leadership skills. I quote leadership skills through a story: An emperor and his new (invisible) clothes!

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Nick Wright
16/12/2016 10:08:21 am

Thanks Vijendra! Yes, my daughter's desire for freedom of choice may well be linked to her sense of personal identity. I think it is hard sometimes, however, to differentiate personal from cultural identity. What she would choose is likely to be influenced as much by culture as personal choice, even if it feels like personal choice...if that makes sense! Can you say a bit more about how you use the Emperor's New Clothes story to illustrate leadership skills?

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Bob Wotton
16/12/2016 10:19:41 am

First you must decide whether you are a "Trainer" or a " Learning Enabler".

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Nick Wright
16/12/2016 10:20:52 am

Hi Bob. Sounds like that's something you are noticing. It's an interesting and provocative distinction! :)

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Marijke Van Vugt
17/12/2016 05:15:45 pm

Thanks for sharing this story and reminding me of the filter through which we all view the world around us! And that it is possible at any moment to be aware of it and choose to take another perspective 😊

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Nick Wright
17/12/2016 05:16:44 pm

Thanks Marijke. I think the first step is realising that we have filters!

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Guillermo Presburger
18/12/2016 10:24:33 am

Hi . You are asking a great question for training and for life. I guess I would never know what I am not noticing but at least I know that I am missing things . Knowing this we all need to encourage our students and coworkers to give us their inputs, questions and insights, because they are helping us to notice what we could not noticed by ourselves.

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Nick Wright
18/12/2016 10:28:06 am

Well said, Guillermo. Noticing that we are not noticing can be powerful and releasing. It can inspire and motivate us to invite and value input from others - especially from those who are different to us.

Reply
Richard Smith
19/12/2016 10:22:22 pm

Good points! I am due to start some training in January with some learners who have been studying more advanced courses in the same subject for up to 2 years with little indication of progress. I definitely want to be a 'learning enabler', rather than a 'trainer'. For that I need to notice what is important to them, rather than what is important to me. I will have to consider how I can notice these, and help my students do the same! Thanks guys!

Reply
Nick Wright
19/12/2016 10:23:47 pm

Thanks Richard. It can also be useful to ask, 'what would make this worthwhile for you?' and 'how shall we do this?'

Reply
Brian Hennessy
20/12/2016 02:56:37 pm

A nice thought provoking article. As I apply it to my learners, it speaks of mindset. Depending on where their mind is truly dictates what kind of experience they will have. In essence, due to their mindset, they may be completely blind to certain ideas, concepts etc. The challenge is how do we get folks to notice more?

Reply
Nick Wright
20/12/2016 02:57:20 pm

Thanks Brian. I think it applies to those of us who are trainers too!

Reply
Ndi Emmanuel
21/12/2016 09:58:11 am

Hi Nick, thanks for sharing. Did your daughter's behaviors change in any way as a result of the new situation in the village school?

Reply
Nick Wright
21/12/2016 09:58:56 am

Thanks Ndi. Interesting question. Yes - but in the midst of so many changes, it would be hard to know what to attribute them to.

Reply
Melvin J. Gravely
21/12/2016 09:59:52 am

Thanks Nick for sharing.

Reply
Nick Wright
21/12/2016 10:00:11 am

Thanks Melvin. You're welcome.

Reply



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    ​Nick Wright

    ​I'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? ​Get in touch!

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