Page 367 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 09 11/20/02 1:03 PM Page 356
356 The Creative Training Idea Book
Pessimists
There are some participants who for a variety of reasons will try to squelch the ideas of
others. These learners automatically respond, “Yes, but. . . . ,” no matter what is of-
fered. My personal belief is that what they do is learned behavior they got from care-
givers as children. Their role models likely were poor communicators who failed to give
positive feedback or reinforcement to these people often. Pessimists will typically use
such phrases as:

We tried that before and it did not work.
Sounds good in theory, but it won’t work here.
That will never work in the real world.

Upper management (supervisors) will not support that.
Policy (law/regulations) prevent us from . . .
We don’t have time/money/resources to . . .

I have found that a number of strategies can help in dealing with Pessimistic learners.

Tactic 1
Ask for the pessimist’s reasoning of why an idea will not work, then offer his or her
response to the group for their input or feedback. Ask, “What do the rest of you think
about what ___ just said?” Be careful and prepared for what you will do if they agree
with the pessimist. Sometimes, there are real unspoken issues that you are not made
aware of that prevent application of training concepts. If important issues have surfaced
you may want to either flip chart them for later discussion, give to management (as-
suming learners agree to that), or take a diversion and discuss the issue, then brain-
storm possible courses of action for a short period of time. Otherwise, learners may be
distracted by the issue and you will end up with a roomful of Talkers.
Assuming that others do not agree with the Pessimist, they will likely wear the per-
son down. Peer pressure is a powerful tool for quieting dissention.

Tactic 2

Assume that the pessimistic learner may have a point and ask, “What alternate ideas do
you have?” or “What do you suggest instead?” Often he or she will not have given any
real thought to the issue and cannot think of another option. If that is the case, suggest
that the group discuss the original idea presented further and that if the Pessimist thinks
of something later you are willing to consider it. On the other hand, if the Pessimist does
have an alternate suggestion, listen to it, then discuss the merits as a class or take other
action deemed appropriate.