Instructor Training Workshop ("ITW") at Pulai Springs Resort (26-28 April 2006)

This is my first offsite training workshop and it was held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia (something like going to Shenzhen from HK). I have been waiting for this workshop for very long, but been turned down for a few times last year, as I have not been "formally" made "manager" yet, by the official standard, even though everyone who works with me thinks that I have been a manager for very long (sigh sigh...this thing is still tickling my nerves). Anyways, as I am being tasked by my old and new bosses to take on the Risk Management training courses for new seniors (and new managers as well), I need to acquire some "facilitating" skills, in order to lead a class exercise, etc.

Initially, I had mixed feelings in attending this course: (1) The group of "chosen ones" (as we've been called), are of mixed grades and mixed departments, I do not know anyone at all (well, I do know some, but none of them that I'm close to), hence, I had difficulty in finding a roommate. However, I've left it to L&E to help me decide and in the end, it turned out fine. (2) The subject matter that I will be delivering is quite different from the rest of the group, I was a little pressurised to perform well in order to proof my ability (as I've always set high standards on myself, it may only be over ambitious sometimes)!

In the end, things turned out rather well, I made an effort to interact with different people, caught up with some others, whom I've worked with previously, etc. Also, when we had the practice sessions, e.g. presenting my own topic and leading a class exercise, it has proven that my presentation skills can "smoke" the way towards "appearing both confident and competent", even though I didn't feel so at that point in time. One particular thing to note: I always forget to smile when I'm standing in front of the class, unlike being an MC, I've always acted normally and smiled throughout the function. Maybe, risk management is such a serious subject that I thought I need to be serious.

Anyways, the 2 and a half day course was very useful, reiterated some of the HRD (training skills) learning that I've long forgotten since MBA time (Gosh, that's almost 9 years ago)! I'm going to bring back all the skills and apply them to my coming training courses. One special thing to note: I don't smile and appeared very serious when standing in front of the class...haha...I really haven't got a clue. Maybe risk management is such a serious subject that I wanted to look serious and professional! I have to be mindful, as I will be teaching new seniors and I don't want them to be scared by me!

P.S. one very last note. This is the first time the course is organised at Pulai Springs instead of Sofitel and the best part was that there is no broadband access in the resort. Initially, I intended to work at night after the trainings and email things back to Singapore. However, as I can't even use modem to dial back, I just took it for granted and forget about work for a while...but I know, I'll need to go back to it very soon...sigh...stressed, but fun...hehe...crazy me!