"Leave Me Alone! I Don't Need Any Training!"
"Training is for Rookies!"
"I KNOW what I'm Doing! It's Everyone Else that Needs Training!"
Ever hear these types of comments from the veteran agents, brokers, sales folks? Ever said any of these yourself?
In our office, we call this "Knowing Prevents Learning."
Granted, some people have a routine, process or recipe that works for them and is successful (at least for now).
But in time, things change. Then the old routine may not work as well. If the person has not been continuing to learn and grow, you can see the confusion in their face. "This used to work. It must be the market or the broker or the customer's fault."
Since they "know" how to do it, they can't possibly be the problem. And if they are not the problem, they are off the hook emotionally to change and be the solution. So they wait for things to return to the past. And wait. And wait. And wait. But the past does not return. At least not the same past.
CONSIDER THIS: You sometimes hear people discuss about how fast children learn and that we loose that ability as we get older. While that may be true, at least to some extent, I believe we also battle something else... the accumulation of things we already know that blocks our interest and aptitude for learning.
How's that? Well, if you think you know something, then there is nothing to learn and thus our thoughts move on to something else. Football, gossip, election campaigns, price of rice in China, what's that smell, whatever.... you get the point.
I find the most interesting and dynamic folks are those that have learned how much they don't know. My experience is that the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. That, my friends, is where learning really begins.
So, if you are one of the folks that don't need any more training and have perfected everything, then (1) I'm surprised you're still reading and (2) congratulations! I'd like to know you better and learn your secret to this accomplishment! Really. Please contact me.
If you are not one of those folks, take heart! You can focus on improvement and move past these perfect business people. And the best part is, they will never know it, never see it and never worry about you taking their business away. And you can do it right in front of them, because they have blinded themselves!
Now granted, there is basic training that we may not need to repeat. For instance, none of us is likely inclined to repeat first grade either. However, even the most elementary training can be a great opportunity to learn. For example, if you are familiar with the material in a class or session:
- Watch and see how others process the material.
- Help explain the material.
- Consider a new use for the material.
- Disagree with the material and offer other options.
Each approach will be useful and keep it interesting!
In closing today, my encouragement to you is this:
1. Learn how much you don't know, then work to learn that (repeat endlessly).
2. Unless your livelihood is somehow dependent on the Know-It-Alls, don't worry about them (as your success will exceed theirs if you do the right things).
3. If you livelihood is dependent on Know-It-Alls, find independence quick (even if it means changing offices, jobs, brokers, employees or friends).
4. Be sure you are having fun and enjoy the discoveries you will be making. This enjoyment will be contagious and others will be drawn to you!
Oh, by the way, I didn't know any of this stuff initially. I learned it. And I'm still learning. It makes life interesting!
Related Post: "Not wasting my money! What if I train them and they leave?"
The funny thing and perhaps one of the ironies of those comments you used to lead in to your post, is that when pepole say them they sound like children.
Great post. I am glad I read it. Keep up the good work
Bo
I think it is important to listen to others. You may still continue to do things the same way but at least you have been exposed to some fresh thinking and up-to-date material.
This is a business of constant learning and improving. You are never FINISHED.
I am a firm believer in the fact that you can learn something from everyone. I am constantly going to training classes, exploring learning opportunities on the internet and publications. I find that I learn something new all the time to improve my business.
Bo Hussung ~ Cogent Closing Associates, LLC (Cogent Closing Associates) Hey Bo! You are very right. And like children, they don't realize how it sounds to others!
Latonia Parks (Keller Williams Realty) You are right on! Fresh thinking can be so useful and make old information useful again! Thanks!
Realty Executives - Erica Ramus - 570 622 6006 - Schuylkill Eric, great point, never finished. Very true. I always wonder why people think they "know it" when "it" keeps changing.
good post I recently wrote a post I need short sale training something new in this business all the time.