Nine to five column: On arrogance in training

Das will make your work easier in the future. You’re doing it, tell us how it was!” With encouraging words, R. is sent to computer training. To an external organizer once across town. The training rooms are modern, the methods Stone Age. After the day, R. feels exhausted. Never again with this provider!

He delivers a horror report: Regardless of the level of knowledge and learning speed, the two speakers rushed through the presentations, instead of practicing basic knowledge, they presented vague special cases with the anti-didactic: Man, are we good and are you slow on the uptake! “You still don’t get it? So, Mr. R., demonstrate what you have just learned! What, that went too fast for you?” One course participant fought back tears, others protested at the tone and pace, but were ignored.

R. doesn’t understand how they can hold their own in the further education market with their black pedagogy. Well, says his boss sheepishly, “they’re new on the market and inexpensive”. But he is not resistant to advice and is looking for an in-house solution. The two youngest colleagues, digital natives, are given the honorable task of familiarizing themselves with the program with the help of the manufacturer videos and guiding the others in groups of two. “With the necessary courtesy and at the pace that the learners set for you and not the other way around!” the boss warns.

The young teachers are working hard, their middle-aged students are making progress. If something goes wrong here and there in the following weeks, the two career changers are overly motivated, still flattered that their expertise is in demand. “Not that you’re leaving me and starting your own business with training,” the boss jokes in a large group. Not an original compliment, but sincere. “Sometimes on-board resources are enough,” R praises. The two on-board resources shine.

In the “Nine to five” column, changing authors write about curiosities in the office and university.