So many times we develop learning initiatives, plot the programs and evaluate the results – but what happens when the tables are turned, and suddenly you find yourself in a class where your life depends on what you’re about to learn? My recent white-knuckle experience at New York’s Motorcycle Safety School not only drove the hands-on learning model home, it also gave me a new perspective of how 2 days of training can change your life.
NY State advises those who would like a motorcycle license attend a 2-day safety course to learn how to best navigate traffic, curves, and intimate contact with asphalt. Once you pass the school’s driving and written test, you can go straight to the DMV to claim your newly revered D and M class initials on your license. Clearly it was a good idea to get some basic instruction before I jump on that Ducati 1200.
Chatting with classmates on the first day I met some Wall Street execs, Con-Edison workers, a couple of students, but everyone seemed a little nervous after seeing the black bikes parked outside. Certainly everyone who goes through the learning process wants to do well, reports go out to managers and results are viewed with a discerning eye. It’s important to be engaged, bring you’re A-game, and to do the best you can. Although Learning styles may different for everyone, fear is crystal clear. No one has to force you to be Engaged when the alternative is a gurney.
The first time on the Suzuki 250 I let out the clutch way too fast… my neck snapped back and while rocketing forward, a few things went through my mind – namely how I should have bought a better helmet, what the crash scene was going to look like, then suddenly I pictured my friends feeding me Jell-o in the hospital and thought, “Damn, I’m going to die. Screaming.” I took solace in the fact they can’t hear you yelling in your helmet. Turns out I was wrong about that part. I’ve learned Critical decision points may come many times in your career, but if you ride they come at you every minute.
In all we spent about 10 hours riding and 5 hours of classroom time where we gratefully remained safely in folding chairs. Here you learned important information like when you're eventually thrown to the pavement, your jeans will last 1 second, leather lasts 4 seconds, and protective gear like Kevlar jackets and pants last about 8 seconds. Some things are best not shared with the family; this might be one of them. Much like all learning experiences, feedback is a critical component to driving progress. Helpful comments such as, “If you brake going through a turn again, you’ll crash and die” made me want to find the ladies room. Thanks dude, no need to repeat yourself. Apparently motorcycle riding makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty.
At the end of the course I did manage to pass my written and driving skill tests however, aspirations of my Ducati have now morphed to a red Vespa LX150…at least for now. I will always remember this as the scariest, most fun learning experience ever, and will always appreciate the real value solid training holds no matter what the subject matter.
When thinking about new and different approaches to development, please be sure to join us at the Learning and Leadership Development Conference, November 16-18th in Boston! Discover the latest strategies and the most innovative ideas from leadership specialists at MTV, Home Depot, Morgan Stanley, Red Hat and the Army’s Special Forces!