The internet is filled with clever and sometimes downright stupid ideas. Advise comes from a multitude of sources and I believe that it is time to add another for a topic I am very keen on. How do you train your slave and is it even possible to train a human being to become what once was the vision of another? This article should provide some insights into how to better train your slave.

How We Train

I believe that we should take a step back to understand what I see as training, as it has the concept of learning at its very core. Learning comes in many form and if you believe recent studies there is an emerging trend towards Inquiry-based Learning. I find that the idea it is based on can be best understood by looking at this old saying:

“Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand.”

The concept of Inquiry-based learning satisfies a requirement for me which is essential to me. In order for my slave to learn and to be trained to become what I want her to be I need to involve her in the whole process. She needs to understand what it is that I expect and not simply be directed to go through a step based process without knowing the goal or having a direction.

Learning Experiences

Not only can we address the learning process in a sensible manner, depending on what you want to achieve you might have to adjust the way you are teaching. Your brain has two major areas which are responsible for learning experiences:

The Neocortex

Your Neocortex grasps concepts and logic. This part of the brain helps you figure out how to use a computer or how to apply the knowledge from a book you read to your next sales call.

The limbic system

Your limbic system governs feelings, impulses and drives.

While your Neocortex learn by absorbing and analysing information, because it is able to apply abstract concepts to any given situation your limbic system learns best through motivation, extended practice and feedback.

Adjust Your Training

You need to carefully adjust the way you train your slave depending on what you wish to do. If she is to understand and perform a Japanese tea ceremony perfectly the neocortex approach is an absolutely valid on, couple with practice. If you expect your slave to feel happy and get excited every-time she hears your voice you will need to define a clever way of working with her limbic system. Motivate her, practice with her by being around and listen to her feedback.

Whatever you teach your slave you can execute as learning experience. A small table recently published in the special HBS centennial Issue on page 63 reads as follows: (I have changed some words to reflect the M/s context)

Execution As Learning

Masters (Leaders) set direction and articulate the mission.

Slaves (Employees) [usually in teams] discover answers.

Tentative processes are set up as a starting point.

Work processes keep developing; small changes - experiments and improvements - are a way of life.

Feedback is always two-way: The Master (boss) gives feedback in the form of coaching and advise; slave (team members) give feedback about what they are learning from doing the (ever-changing) work.

Problem solving is constantly needed, so valuable information is provided to guide slaves’ (employees’) judgement.

Fear cripples the learning process: It inhibits experimentation, lowers awareness of options, and discourages people from sharing and analysing insights, questions, and problems.

Precisely and quite to the point this table describes what you can and cannot do while you are in the process of training your slave. I would like to stress what has been said in the last table item. You cannot train your slave, expecting her to improve herself and at the same time you punish her for mistakes or minor set-backs. It is imperative for her to find the best way of training herself to be better for you. It is impossible for you to know what works best for every given situation you need to be able to rely in your slave for feedback. That feedback will only be open and honest when your slave knows that she will not be hurt or punished over it.

As mentioned above this is a two edged sword, your feedback is equally important, especially for areas which are very emotional or require your slave to learn a new skill which changes the way her body reacts or feels. This all plays into the fact that her limbic system is hard at work, long after her neocortex has understood what you are trying to do.

It is your duty, as her owner, to create an environment of psychological safety as well as accountability for meeting demanding goals. Your slave wants to achieve and excel, she wants to be found pleasing and that plays in your favour. Setting demanding goals is not going to frustrate her, the opposite is the case. It is then up to you to create and environment where psychological safety allows her to experiment and determine an optimal way of achieving the goals you have set.

Bringing It Together

While this all seems very theoretical there are four easy steps I feel many can apply to this concept of training and learning.

1. Explain what you want to do and how. Establish an understanding of what the process will be to try and achieve your mutual goals.
2. Provide her with the necessary tools and make it clear that she is to collaborate with other slaves on this goal.
3. Gather her feedback, collect as much data on her progress as you can and share it.
4. Insist on disciplined reflection, institutionalise it. Try to teach her about “Hansei“

Armed with this additional knowledge it should be much easier for you to devise a better way of training and learning for your slave. Please remember that this is not a simple case of you dictating and your slave doing, this is an integrated process and you will need your slaves input if you wish to be successful.

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