Thursday, July 09, 2009

Post CC Training Thoughts (Part 5): Realizations from Being in Someone Else’s Shoe

Having given the opportunity to visit ExcelAsia days after my training with them had been completed have made a mixture of feelings inside of me. I am happy because I’d be seeing some familiar faces again (most notable among them are those of the trainers), as well as new ones (those of the new trainees). On the other hand, I feel nervous because of two things: 1) I’ll go there alone, and 2) I don’t actually know what I’m going to do when I get there.

I went there the same time I usually go there, an hour before the time. I felt great in seeing the trainers again, and I am both flattered and grateful with their glad faces and usual lively spirits as they welcomed me back to ExcelAsia. Honestly, that was one of the things that I missed after the training, considering that for a while now, I’ve been looking for those kinds of environments, but to no avail.

Roanna, my trainer invited me if I would want to talk to her “new kids”. I gave in to the request and I suddenly found myself standing in front of the training room, looking at a crowd that I never actually seen until that time. I was a total stranger to them, and vice-versa; but I suddenly had this flash of thought and again, I found myself talking to them about things that they should know, and about what they’re going to face for the remaining days of their training. Experiences were shared, insights were said, advices were given…and it never stopped there.

After I talked with Roanna’s new class, I thought my role there was over. I was hoping that I would be allowed to just sit and listen to the class, but I was invited to talk to Noel’s class. After sharing my thoughts with them, it turned into a casual conversation; so much as with them asking for my age. People were deceived once more as they thought that I am already at my 30’s or late 20’s (I’m not hurt at all, I usually get the same remarks from other people).

Last but not the least; I was invited to Camille’s class. They were a bunch of quiet people (but I personally believe that there’s more to them…). The same thing happened, I talked to them, questions were raised, and thoughts were exchanged. After all of the talk, I was asked by Roanna to at least help her “kids” with the call simulation exercise. I was able to practice 2 people, and after which, I was called by my parents to go home already. Tough luck, I guess…I sure hoped that I could have stayed longer.

With all of these experience crammed up in just 6 hours or so, I came to realize some things, and I wish to at least go through them in passing, so please bear with me in this write-up.

First of all, somehow, I now have a simple (definitely not full) understanding of the reason why the trainers do what they do. Of course, as their designation suggests, they’re supposed to train people. But there’s more to that. My point is this, unless you’ve gone in their shoes (allegorically speaking), you’ll never know why. I’ve been in their shoes for a little time, but out of it, I’ve learned so much. Maybe you’ll know it, but only in the level of the head. I am still, until now, so grateful and humbled with the opportunity, trust, and confidence given by Roanna, Noel and Camille, by letting me share my thoughts and experiences with their trainees.

Second, I realized even more that maybe; dealing with people is my real “calling” (if that’s how you must put it). I can honestly tell you that as I was there in front of the training rooms for three times, talking to different people, I can’t help but be both somehow amazed at myself (for doing something that I don’t normally do) and with the people listening. There had been instances where the trainees would approach me and ask from me certain tips on dealing with call simulations, and I can’t help myself but to be of service to them. I felt great for a short time that was given to me, and I’m telling you, I’ll be looking for more.

Third, a conversation between me and a certain trainee from Noel’s class (I’m sincerely sorry, I forgot to ask for your names), gave me an idea on how to improve self-esteem. At a certain point of our conversation, he mentioned the saying “If they can do it, I can do it”. Suddenly, I uttered out, “Would it be great if you say that in a different way, like…If they can do it, I can do it…BETTER”. And from there, I started to motivate them even more. I sure just hope it reaches them, and everyone else that I’ve talked to during my visit.

Fourth, what I did was just a small part as compared to the trainers who had been there for quite some time now, and who have done so much for that time they have started training those who wish to work at the call center industry. But in spite of that, the feeling of doing something that you really like makes it so big. I sure enjoyed and loved what I did, and I would love to share even more (as long as opportunity would give me).

With everything that’s been said and done, I am happy that I visited ExcelAsia (and I hope I’ll have a chance to do that again soon). Again, I sincerely thank Roanna, Camille and Noel for giving me a chance to share my experiences and myself with them and the others. All the best for the trainees…More power to ExcelAsia :)

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