“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training”.
Archilochus – Greek Lyric Poet
Trainer has to constantly be in the process of getting trained. With every training it is the trainer who has to get more enriched. Trainees, observers, co-trainers and the lead trainers are all the Masters for every trainer. Trainer learns from the mistakes and/or errors pointed out by any one or all the above. Trainer also learns from the mistakes and/or errors committed by the co-trainers.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MISTAKE AND ERROR
Mistakes
Mistakes are accidental, casual and informal but errors are not.
Example:
(a) Trainer getting in detail into the topic assigned to another trainer.
(b)Trainer going on with the session beyond the time schedule.
(c) Skipping to inform some components of opening statement.
Mistakes can be corrected by oneself. After the session, many a times trainer himself/herself knows the mistakes committed by him/her.
Mistake is referred to as a performance error. One knows something is wrong. But yet does it. Mistake happens when a trainer does not effectively use the knowledge he/she has.
Error
Errors occur due to lack of knowledge. They may be technical and formal.
Example:
(1) Giving example of distributive bargaining as an example for integrated bargaining.
Error: Lack of in-depth knowledge of different types of bargaining.
(2) Explaining Management of conflict, resolution of conflict and handling conflict to mean one and the same.
Error: Lack of knowledge of the finer distinctions. Lack of in-depth knowledge of the topic Conflict.
Errors reflect the incompetence of a trainer.
FINDING FAULT vs IDENTIFYING THE MISTAKES AND THE ERRORS.
A trainer is not supposed to find fault with the other trainer/s. But should never stop from identifying the errors and/or mistakes, and working hard on overcoming the same.
Advantages of identifying errors and/or mistakes
- Identification of errors helps trainer (i) to strengthen content knowledge (ii) to work hard on deeper understanding of the concepts (iii) to get clarity on the areas which need hair line distinctions (iv) to get motivated to read more and work hard.
- Identification of mistakes helps trainer (i) to avoid those mistakes (ii) to focus on preparation (iii) to work on oneself to overcome anxiety and performance pressure (iv) to get rid off casual approach (v) to work on and achieve mindfulness.
SOME TIPS
“Observation is the Best Teacher“
WHEN THE CO-TRAINER IS HANDLING THE SESSION
- Observe the co-trainer closely and constantly.
- Note down the mistakes and/or errors committed
- Note down the mistakes and/or errors identified by the lead trainer or any others.
- Analyze as to why the said mistakes and/or errors were overlooked by you.
- Correct yourself if you had thought the same as “No Mistake”- “No error”.
- No matter what the co-trainer or lead trainer thinks, discuss about the mistakes and/ or errors noted down by you with the co-trainer or lead trainer.
- Find a way out to overcome the same in future.
- Consult seniors or others for better inputs and guidance.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
- Prepare a list of mistakes committed by you.
- Prepare a list of errors committed by you.
- Note down the areas where you felt your knowledge was lacking or insufficient.
- Request the lead trainers and co-trainers to point out the mistakes and/ or errors noticed by them and make a note.
- Request them to give suggestions.
- Prepare a ‘to do list’ to overcome the mistakes and/or errors.
- Work as per the ‘to do list’.
- Cross check with the result in the next session.
“Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.”
Bruce Lee
(All copy rights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 
“Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts.” Nikki Giovanni.
Your article make me attentive and watchful to the things which in routine can be missed.Thank you.
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Wonderful ma’am.You are observing everything in a training very keenly and closely.
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With fine distinction between mistake and error,the trainers can effectively make use of the tips given and by conscious practice aim to become better and better. Thanks a ton madam.
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The differences between mistake & error very clearly pointed out with clarity. Everyone does commit mistakes not only in training sessions…but in several areas as well. However, with more hard work & meticulous planning & preparation it could be rectified . However, when fundamentals & basics are not strong… then serious errors are bound to happen which is quite serious & unless we are sensitive enough to realise it at the very beginning… accepting the same & willingness to rectify & set right is perhaps the first step towards proper learning. Your training sessions have always been extremely helpful & full of clarity, sound knowledge & motivating. Grateful to you Susheela ma’am for such quality programs being done on regular basis.
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Very well written article ma’am.What is mistake and what is error explained very well with the help of apt examples.An introspection after every session and comments by trainees and co-trainers or lead trainers helps to make to do list for overcoming your mistakes and errors.
What i believe until and unless you accept something has been done wrong by you ,you can not repair it.
Thank you so much for sharing it.I must admit ma’am its a great learning to read your articles.
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Mistake and Error – distinction is well articulated ma’am.
Good learning.
“You learn through mistakes, no one was born a master”
Thx ma’am 🙏🏻
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“All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes.” – Winston Churchill
We need to learn from our mistakes so that we do not run the risk of repeating them. We must develop the wisdom and sense to make good decisions and choices. Good judgment will only develop if you truly learn from our mistakes. – Great learning experience Ma’am
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A mistake related to performance of action and error reflects lack of deep knowledge of subjects says Respected Sister in her unique expression . How a Trainer to get himself on a wake up call during and post training with co Trainer is vividly scripted ..
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