There are the occasional workshops where people have not been properly briefed by their managers, or have failed to read the joining instructions. These training courses make for frustrating, but often amusing interactions with participants who are not engaged in the learning before arrival. (Note: this is NOT a benchmark to aspire to).
Such participants often arrive unprepared and late to the sessions with their own agendas. Here are our top favourite questions they ask:
1. I didn’t get time to do the pre-work – was it important?
2. Do you have a pen I can borrow?
3. I’m not feeling well – can I sit at the back?
4. Can we turn the air-conditioning up/down?
5. Can you go over that bit again? – sorry I was late.
6. Can we pull the blinds down so I can see the screen?
7. I have a flight later today – can I leave early?
8. Do I need to be here for this bit? (I have another meeting)
9. Do we get lunch?
10. What time do we finish?
Hint: In order to avoid these kind of questions, the communication prior to attending workshops is critical in setting clear objectives & guidelines to engage and excite attendees. Then they are more likely to learn.