During the interview process for my current facilitator role with ATD I was asked to develop and deliver a training program on the “learner-centered classroom.” I did my research on the topic, mapped out my design, developed activities and executed a delivery that landed me the role.

As I reflected on this experience I realized that in my previous trainer roles I was not fully embracing a learner-centered approach 100% of the time.

With each delivery, I work to polish my skills as a facilitator. Recently, I had an a-ha moment that marks a milestone in my career.

I was facilitating the ATD Master Trainer program for a full house of enthusiastic attendees who were all apprehensive about their last day skills demonstration. One student who was new to the world of facilitation. She compared herself against the others and knew that her skills were lacking amongst theirs. My goal for her and all the attendees was to ensure that they had the tools they needed to be successful for the skills demonstration and to be higher performers when they got back on the job.

My past self would have thought, “Okay, I need to stick to the timing guide, execute the content flawlessly, and ask questions.” Instead, every moment I was in that classroom I asked myself, “What do the learners need?” “How can I facilitate them to encourage and challenge each other to make the best possible outcome?” I let go of my own agenda to meet them where they were at.

After much coaching, self-discovery, and application it was time for their skills demonstration. I watched each one of those attendee’s shine. It was like watching one of my own children master the skill of riding a bike or completing the monkey bars for the first time.

Pure joy flooded over me when my least experienced attendee effortlessly showcased almost every skill that we had discussed. We saw growth in her performance. I thought “Wow!”, “Look at that!” I now truly know what it means to deliver a learner-centered approach! Watching the evolution of others is why the world of learning and development is so rewarding.