The Oscar-tipped 'The King's Speech' is a great film, and it also highlights valuable lessons for trainers. Andy Green explains.
With its story centred on the relationship between King George VI (the client, played by Colin Firth) and his unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue (the trainer, played by Geoffrey Rush) The King's Speech shows how together, they achieve extraordinary results. Here are six lessons for trainers:
Work as a partnership of equals
The best results come from two sides aligning themselves to their common interests to achieve their goal. At the very beginning of their relationship the trainer recognised that deference should not get in the way of addressing their common task, and insisted he should be called 'Lionel' rather than Mr. Logue, and in turn, he should call the King by his affectionate pet name of 'Bertie'. By working as equal partners it helps to create optimum synergies. If it were an equation it would read: 1+1= 3.
The trainer needs to insist the working relationship is on their professional terms
In addition to getting his client to use Christian names, the trainer was equally insistent that the training had to be done at his premises and on a daily, not weekly basis. As a trainer have you ever been guilty of giving in to client pressure and compromise the delivery of your service?
Be brave and be prepared to walk away
At the outset Logue took a high risk strategy of 'take it or leave it' in offering his services to the future King. He stood to lose this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yet, he recognised how he might get over the first hurdle but ultimately would fail if he did not stand by his professional principles. How often do trainers fail to heed the early warning signs of potential problems with their clients, afraid to take the tough decision if necessary?
Look for causes rather than address the symptoms
Rather than address the evident manifestations of the King’s speech impediment Logue examined for deeper root causes to the King's ailment. By doing this, in spite of initial client opposition, he could make a real difference. The client is not always right; sometimes they may shy away from real causes of a problem.
Accept sometimes you have to say 'sorry' and on occasions you may need to make up
The film portrays the disagreements between the client and trainer and how they row and fall out. They could have easily stubbornly gone their separate ways. The recognition of the value each brought to the other overcome any sense of personal pride or selfishness. Inevitably, in any dynamic client/trainer relationship there will be ups and downs. The best relationships are bigger than the disagreements which may sometimes upset them.
Be there for the critical times
When King George had to make his epic war-time speeches rallying the nation in its darkest hour, Logue was there at his side, ensuring in the most important times for his client he was at hand.
You too can enjoy the success of Lionel Logue by keeping to your principles. You may not have a King as a client, but they will still hopefully respect you royally.
Andy Green is a leading author, international conference speaker, trainer, facilitator and expert on creativity and communications. His work improves creative and flexible thinking skills – to help people achieve more with less, spot more opportunities and create great new ideas. Find out more at www.creativityatwork.co.uk
