Stories are powerful learning tools. They tap into our deepest emotions, which helps us retain them. And they can be inspirational too – as long as we can make the connection to our real lives.
Many of my favourite training activities in Trainers’ Library use stories, including Murder at Glasstap Grange, Influence 2 - Sources of Power, Land of the Nutritos and, of course, Witches of Glum (
available as a free sample).
So, I was delighted when Frances sent me a new course module, which takes an ancient story (from China, I believe) and reframes it to make some powerful learning points for today’s employees. The complete module follows my Retention, Inspiration and Action roadmap to learning, with the final part requiring participants to create a detailed action plan for improving their working relationships with three people at work.
Here’s an extract from
Flenda’s Tale. If you know, or can guess the ending, and the key learning point, email me and let me know what you think it is.
If you’re right, (or even if you’re wrong) we’ll give you a free copy of the complete activity and 5% off your annual subscription when you join Trainers’ Library. (Discount applicable until 21st December.)
“Flenda could not stand her mother-in-law's bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it. Flenda went to see her father's good friend, Mr. Jardim, who sold herbs. She explained her unhappiness to him and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem with her mother-in-law once and for all!
Mr. Jardim thought for a while, and finally said, “Flenda, I will help you, but you must listen to me and do exactly as I tell you.”
Flenda nodded enthusiastically and promised to do whatever Mr Jardim told her to, if it would get rid of her ‘problem’.
So, Mr Jardim went into the back room. In a few minutes, he returned with a large package of herbs. Flenda looked surprised – she’d been expecting a little something she could slip into her mother-in-law’s bedtime drink – but Mr Jardim quickly explained:
“Flenda, you can't use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a careful blend of subtle herbs that will slowly poison her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little spoonful of these herbs in her serving.”
“Ok” said Flenda, nodding excitedly.
Mr Jardim went on: “Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspects you when she dies, you must be very careful to be very friendly towards her from now on. Don't argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen.”
Flenda was ecstatic! She thanked Mr. Jardim and hurried home …
I look forward to receiving your responses.
Until next time…