Last August 1, 2012, I left Manila for Davao City to conduct
my customized “Personality Development
and Stress Management” seminar/workshop for the Small Business Corporation’s
powerhouse group in Mindanao.
These very special people surprised me in many ways from the
first moment I met them. Firstly, they were like millenials, although they were
from the Gen X generation. Their levels of energy and enthusiasm were
astounding. They were indefatigable and constantly pushing themselves all
throughout the two-day program.
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| Color Analysis session |
Secondly, they had an astonishing ability to absorb everything
they just learned and immediately applied it in the drills and role plays after
every demonstration. We also had hilarious bouts of laughter as certain types
of personalities were revealed among them. For example, they were shown the templates for the
personality types and how to get along with each type, and identify the
personality style of their bosses. There
was hysterical laughter, because it turned
out their bosses whom they identified as drivers, were among them.
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| Grooming and color analysis with James P. Sarabillo |
Lastly, they accomplished something which no other group has
done before. They made me cry, right in the middle of the second day of our
training. How did it happen?
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| Barbecue night |
The night after the first day of training, they invited me
to a barbecue dinner with all participants present. During dinner, the subject
of my birthday came up, because it was so close. The next day, they surprised
me and delighted me no end. A super talented lady participant, Alona I.
Quesada, who happens to be a church choir member, sang two songs for me. One was the traditional birthday song and the
second one was a spiritual song. All of a sudden, I broke into tears! They were
tears of joy, because I never cry in public. I have always exercised supreme control over my emotions all my life,
especially during trying times. This time, I discovered that when I’m happy, I’m
no longer in command of my emotions. Who cares? It was such a great relief to
be able to cry my heart out.
I’m so thrilled that they were profuse in their appreciation
of all their new learnings, and that I was able to pass on the art of instant
relaxation with them, thru the autogenics exercise. They also viewed the videos
on other stress management techniques like yoga and the Tai Chi exercises.
This was a trip and a training program that I will always
remember. It was the right place, the right time, and the right people…it was
picture perfect. I could not have asked for more. And to think that I initially
hesitated before accepting this contract, because of my hectic work schedule in
Manila.
I learned a very important lesson with this event. Never
turn down an opportunity for sharing your experiences, knowledge and skills
with others. You never know what you will get!
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| What a fun loving group! |
