Let's Get Brainwashed.

This morning we had to say what our expectations were for the "training" (more on that word later) in our groups of 5. I sit close to the door, which I appreciate, as I have an animal tendency to want to run out when we get our breaks each hour. We had to write our expectations on a flip chart, and then someone else had to read them off to the class. I was the scribe, and wrote my group's list in red marker, but the ink ran out, so I had to switch to black.

Most groups said the typical: learn the tools to improve things at their work, save their company money, learn from others in the class how they handle problems, etc. One expectation that struck me, though, from another group was this: Learn to see to world differently. I felt that whoever in the group said this was looking to this "training" as the solution to her worldview problems. The instructor mentioned how his wife said not to bring any of this type of analysis we will be learning into the house. He said it as a joke, but there is some truth to it.

Anyway, the response "see the world differently" fits in nicely with the title of this web log. I think her chalkboard is just trembling for the first touch of the eraser to clean her slate and tickle her with its new inscriptions, but this time not in chalk - instead permanent marker.

About the word "training" - the instructor said he doesn't like that word because it implies him teaching us and we do what he says. He prefers to call this an "education," which is where we are in control and we are learning and critically thinking and challenging things ourselves. I appreciated this, because it contrasts with what I just said about the woman and her chalkboard brain. The instructor does not seem to be the preachy type, or to say that this is the answer to everything. Again, another point to appreciate.

We are at lunch now. I must run back downstairs and steal another biscuit.