A Consultant's Day Two

So, with Monday came classic consultant mistakes, Tuesday brought much that is good about what I do. I compliment my consulting work with teaching and facilitation and today, I was team teaching a basic agro-terrorism course for Dept of Agriculture personnel (120 of them). Two days, two very different experiences (see yesterday's post, A Consultant's Day)

I taught a new section which typically means I am not as fluent in my presentation. Facts and examples don't come effortlessly at just the right time. Timing and transitions are not natural. The flow of words doesn't match the flow of slides. I was especially concerned because of the large number of people. I had to use a microphone - I don't like to be confined to one place and using a wireless mic limits the large number of hand gestures I use (I am Southern, you know, and talking with your hands is genetic).

But, everything that was wrong with Monday was right with Tuesday. I was "in the zone". Days like these are great. It reinforces my belief in my capabilities and validates why I do what I do. I love to talk to people, I love to facilitate discussion, and I love helping people make connections on things they might not normally think about.

We teach again tomorrow and I'm not sure I can deliver back to back stellar performances - that fact keeps me grounded. No matter how great the class went today, tomorrow is a whole different group of people and dynamics change. I can't sit back and expect tomorrow to be as great as today. I have to put forth the same level (or greater level) of effort. I have to keep refining my skills.

When was the last time you were "in the zone"?