Self Development – Ethically

Recently a number of conversations have taken place that led us (at Ludo HQ) to write this blog.  At Ludo we are in the business of enhancing workplace culture for people to thrive.  We are in the business of self development not just for individuals but for teams.

In talking to teams, leaders, coaches and individuals we have come across programs that are sold based on fear.  Let me ask you this, if someone said to you:

• you are a failure
• you are letting down your company
• you are useless at the way you live your life etc etc

And then sold you a solution.  Would you buy it?

When you tell someone they are failing at what they do, you are creating an internal representation for that person that requires them to associate into the feelings of being a failure.  You are installing the possibility and the feelings that it could be true.  A negative experience for anyone.

Then when you sell back to that person a solution that will supposedly transform their world, you have their attention.  Fundamentally you are selling to their fears, and disempowering the buyer to encourage them to buy your self development program.  At Ludo, we think this is unethical.

Personal development and team development is by invitation.  When you attract your potential customer through talking about outcomes, and successes, they get to imagine and associate into the success.  You are not disempowering the buyer before you have even started.

Then when you sell that workshop/training program it is honest to outline the following:

• the length of the training (in days, hours, weeks)
• the cost
• the overall agenda and what to expect
• if applicable the CPD points/certification at the end of the pre-determined time

After you deliver the first program/course you may have other courses that person or business might buy, and if they have enjoyed the first one, they may or may not make the choice to buy more.  And that is the choice of the client.  They may return down the when budgets change or when a requirement arises, but pushing a program that is not needed is unethical.

We hear about training programs where insecurities are played to.  The person may be told told they need to do more time than first invested, there will be further cost, the course is not completed until you do the next stage.  We hear about self development programs where you need to check in daily and can only wear certain clothes.  Recently I heard about a program when a delegate was unable to attend a particular session due to family commitments, was vilified and bullied, so he showed up anyway.  The same program expected the delegates to align to one particular religion.  I won’t mention the program or it would not be fair to the person who shared the story, but this in my view is more of a cult than a program of personal inside-out success.

Inside-Out v Outside-In

When you look at the science of motivation, this is REALLY important.  Motivation is intrinsic or extrinsic and individuals with low levels of self-efficacy tend to be more influenced by external factors.  A helpful article here to tell you more.

If you are more motivated by external factors you are more likely to buy an Outside-In self development program.  A program that requires you to check in to an external system, show up because you have been told to or receive an external reward for taking part.

Inside-Out motivation comes from you.  Your belief in achieving your goals is the key in this, which is why work with the unconscious mind such as Hypnosis, NLP and working with a good Coach can support you in identifying what helps you fire up your energy to win.  Finding your inner compass, your why and your purpose makes a huge difference to inside-out motivation.

It is the difference of the lasting feel good factor versus the external check with someone else, just to be patted on the back or receive a prize.

Why are we writing about this at Ludo?

Because the self development world is un-regulated and there are ”contrapreneurs” out there who are in the market to con you by praying on your vulnerabilities.  If you want to learn and develop, you will find the course for you.  If when you are in that course, the parameters change, and you are being asked to shell out more money and being bullied because you have the wrong colour jumper or your personal life is getting in the way, you are being taken advantage of.  Programs that are driven by shame cycles are not supporting your personal growth.

The checklist for ethical training/personal development

The conversations I have had recently have shocked me, and I wanted to share a checklist to help you decide if a development program is right for you individually or for your business.  Here is the checklist:

1. Do I understand the total cost of this program?  Can I afford it/is it in the budget for me/the company?
2. Am I clear on the agenda and the outcomes?
3. Has the length of the program been communicated to me? Do I know the end point?
4. Have I got a clear perspective on what is expected of me in terms of time?
5. Will the time required impact my personal commitments and other areas of my life such as my family, kids, friends, hobbies?
6. Can I wear my own clothes, will I feel in my full expression of my authentic self, or is there a dress code?
7. If I want to leave the program or it isn’t for me, can I leave without being ‘told off’ or made to feel guilty?
8. Will I be expected to adjust my values to a particular religious group/belief system?
9. Is there a main leader who the trainers look up to and align with?  Do I respect that person and does that person align with my values?
10. Are there any rituals or certain behaviours I am expected to adhere to?  Does this align with me?

If any of the above feels off, trust your intuition.  On a personal level watch out for anything that feels non inclusive or has a cult-esq attitude.  This applies less to a company training course, but it is one to watch for yourself if you are signing into a long term self development program.

When it comes to training, ethical trainers/coaches will be open, transparent, will invite you to be your authentic you, will encourage all opinions, and will help you learn to grow from inside of you.  Ethical self development recognises you are you, as an individual.

We all learn differently. We are all different and that’s the beauty of diversity and inclusion.  The broad spectrum of opinion, learning styles, voices and expressions are what makes diverse teams and communities.  Lets encourage it, and help people grow as their best self, their way.

Ethical training invites, it encourages, it understands, and it supports each person individually alongside a collective whole.

By team Ludo