Training from the BACK of the Room! (TBR)

(Blog post contributed by TBR Certified Trainer Nagesh Sharma): “Drop Ego Here” helps set the tone and stage for a full day of training. It prepares learners mentally and emotionally, and creates a safe space for open-mindedness, connections, and collaboration.

It was a bright morning as participants began trickling into the room. I stood by a large flip chart on the wall that read “Drop Ego Here,” with a heart drawn around the word “ego.” I had already taken the first step, having written my name on a sticky note on the flip chart, symbolically dropping my ego. As participants entered the room, I greeted each one with a warm smile and invited them to do the same – to write their names on sticky notes and add them to the chart.

This simple act set the tone for the day. Curiosity sparked in each learner’s eyes, and the room buzzed with a sense of anticipation. Little did they know, this activity was more than just an icebreaker – it was a transformative “Connections” exercise that would set the tone for the entire class. This wasn’t the first time I’d used this strategy; in fact, it had become a cornerstone of my training sessions, grounding us all in the present and creating a space free from the constraints of ego.

Why “Drop Ego Here”? 

This activity supports the core principles of “Training from the BACK of the Room” (TBR) and leverages the following TBR brain science concepts:

1. Movement Trumps Sitting: The activity encourages participants to physically place their egos aside – it involves movement which boosts brain activity and engagement.

2. Talking Trumps Listening: When participants share their thoughts about letting go of ego while learning, they initiate conversations that prime their brains for learning in collaborative ways.

3. Images Trump Words: The visual impact of a heart around the word “ego” and the colorful sticky notes create a memorable and emotional image.

4. Writing Trumps Reading: Writing their names and placing the notes on the chart helps participants internalize the act of setting their egos aside.

5. Shorter Trumps Longer: This quick activity immediately engages learners without taking much time, making it an effective way to start the class.

6. Different Trumps Same: This unique and interactive “Connection” activity is different from traditional icebreakers, making it more engaging and impactful.

How to Implement “Drop Ego Here” in Your Training:

Below is a simple guide to inserting the “Drop Ego Here” activity into your classes and training programs:

1. Preparation: Create a chart page or poster with the phrase “Drop Ego Here” in large printed letters, and draw a bright red heart around the word “Ego.” Hang the chart or poster near the door of the training room. Provide colorful sticky notes and markers for the participants to use.

2. Introduction: As participants enter the room, invite them to write their names on sticky notes and place them on the chart. Explain that this symbolizes leaving their egos at the door, fostering a collaborative and psychologically safe learning environment.

3. Discussion: After everyone has participated, facilitate a brief discussion about what it means to drop their egos in the context of learning. Encourage them to share their thoughts about how a learning environment might look/sound/feel “when egos are dropped at the door.”

Conclusions:

Embracing the brain science principles of TBR and starting with an activity like “Drop Ego Here” can set the tone for the day. By moving away from the traditional lecture format and towards a more interactive, learner-centered approach, you create an environment where real learning can happen. The science supports it, and the results speak for themselves.

So, the next time you step into a training room, remember to drop your ego and let the magic unfold.

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About the Author:

Nagesh Sharma is a TBR and TBR-VE® Certified Trainer who resides in India and who is a Flight Levels Guide, Scrum.org and Pro-Kanban Trainer. He is the co-founder of Flowsphere Academy, where the focus is on transforming organizations into Lean-Agile Digital Enterprises. Nagesh is passionate about unlocking the inherent knowledge within teams and guiding them to apply this wisdom in achieving their objectives. You can email Nagesh at [email protected].