I'm going through some training at work right now. All of my occupational training to this point has been technical (programming, object oriented design, how to clothe a robot, etc), but this time it's all about interpersonal skills. It's a little tricky, considering how I have none of those. Anyway, the training deals with how to interact with other types of people, and it's been interesting so far.
What's been just as good is the distinct "Choose Your Own Adventure" theme that runs throughout: I watch a little video, I am presented with 4 different responses/actions, and the story then proceeds based on my response. I have learned that I must weigh my answers correctly or else my virtual coworkers go ballistic. I've already had one guy tell me that I was wasting his time and that he'd refuse to speak to me for the duration of the training materials. Here's a typical scenario.
I see Sally walking down the hallway. She stops and says, "Hello, what did you think of my big project presentation?"
A. It was great. You are a competent and skilled worker.
B. I thought it was great. I think you are a competent and skilled worker.
C. To me, it was great. In my opinion, you are a competent and skilled worker.
D. You are an embarrassment to this organization. I must remember to stuff your desk drawers with rancid cat food.
Do you see what I'm experiencing here? At all times, I must know just how my virtual coworker views rancid cat food. Maybe she's a crazy old cat lady who keeps alley cats in her office; that'd be a nice reward. If I can surmise that she's not a fan of such a gesture, then I have three very similar options to weigh. It's a lot to consider. I can see how it's useful, but I can also see why someone like me might be just with my nonstop thoughtless, idiotic jabbering.
I'm maybe 1/6 of the way through the course, and after my limited interactions with my virtual coworkers, I'm terrified of speaking to any actual, physical coworker. I feel like I need an hour alone with the training matrix and a personnel file before I can venture anything besides, "Hot enough for ya?" And if they respond to that, well, I have no idea what to do; I'd probably be found an hour later under my desk, shaking and screaming, "Always go with the cat food!" Like I said, I'm only 1/6 of the way through it. By the time I finish, I'll either be Mr. Social or Mr. Mute for Life.
Posted by Cody at October 3, 2006 11:18 PM