Let’s go to Vegas! No, not for the gaming fun, showmanship or the high number of professional conferences in this often-used hub. Instead, let’s go to Vegas without setting foot on a plane.
A Learning & Development mentor of mine, Harold Hill, introduced me to the wise and course-changing Vegas Rule: what happens in training, stays in training.
Simple and profound.
When the Vegas Rule is included as part of a leadership development course’s ground rules, without any slight of hand, magic is about to happen. Wait for it…
Power of the Rule
The Vegas Rule powerfully transforms the learning environment because it forges bonds and a sense of community reminiscent of the secret clubs and pacts of childhood. Instead of the facilitator being viewed as an evaluator or representative of leadership, all parties join a more level playing field. Knowing that what occurs in the classroom will stay in the classroom unlocks hidden potential and heralds in increased candor, vulnerability and openness. This combination of traits often leads to more “aha” moments and breakthroughs in employees’ leadership capabilities. The opportunity to share war stories, disclose failures and experiment with new skills paves the way for a stronger and renewed self once a person returns “home” (work environment) and leaves Vegas (the class) behind.
Rule in Use
In practice, I have found that individuals generally hear the rule in the blend of other ground rules (e.g. screen-free, breaks & food, Q&A) without much concern or response. Then, part way through the course when a strong subject hits home and pierces one’s standard professional armor, one brave soul will interject to verify that Vegas Rule is true and genuinely in effect. Once this is confirmed, testing the waters begins. Then, the boat is off downstream, increasing in speed with little chance or second thought to turn back. As in Las Vegas, one’s inhibitions for risk are lowered. Fear of embarrassment and repercussions decrease and an openness to be vulnerable (and at times, silly) increase. I have seen this series of “warm up to it, confirm it and use it” play out many, many times. I would place a large bet on it and roll the dice any day of the week.
The secret to the success of Vegas Rule, not surprisingly, is trust. The facilitator must be perceived as new and a candidate for trust or well-known and proven trustworthy. For Vegas Rule to be successful session after session, everyone involved, especially the facilitator, must understand and abide by the finer points of the rule:
Do not discuss what others disclose in the session. Instead discuss only what you learned. The purpose of the course is to learn, not gossip. Generally, this is well adhered to by participants because if they all opened up in Vegas, then they all have something to lose if someone speaks out. To keep their own admissions private, they respect what others shared with an equal level of discretion.
Facilitators limit what they share and report to supervisors and the organization at large after the session. General themes, overarching lessons learned and two or three-levels removed anecdotes without names attached are considered Vegas-respectable.
To the Point
I’m off to Vegas. Won’t you join me?
Unlock the hidden potential of leaders by welcoming them to Vegas. Encourage candor in a magical, fearless new way. Yes, it is that simple.
Image Sources:
Comentários