Self Help for the Illiterate...says BRW's Leo DÁngelo Fisher

Leo D'Angelo Fisher's article in Sept/Oct 2010 of BRW, "Self Help for the Illiterate" made me laugh out loud... and cry.

He wrote about motivational speakers being nothing more than highly paid entertainers who are just paid to inspire, and most often do not deliver the goods.

Well as one of those motivational speakers he talks about, I guess I have a right to reply! And the good thing is Leo loves to hear it.

Firstly, and to be completely honest I too can testify with some of what he is saying about what motivational speakers are for... and worth. (you must read his article).

But yet, what is sadly missed in his article if I may say with respect, is that often motivational speakers are often employed to fill the dark black vacuous hole that uninspiring leaders or their businesses create and get stuck in - which is often paralleled with a poor learning culture and lack of respect for individual development ALL year.

Many conferences organisers, managers and leaders rely on us do in one hour or one day what they don't or sadly, can't do all year. That is, inspire, motivate and stimulate them with opportunity and true leadership. Sometimes it is no fault of their own, sometimes they just don't know how. And yet, often in the time we have in front of our audiences, we can shift and move people to make a difference... but here's the thing... it only works when the leaders take these strategies back to the workplace and open up opportunities for people to implement and develop them and themselves.

Problem is most go back into the workplace and continue doing things in the same numbing way they have always done.

I have always asked my clients what they are going to do to support the conference initiatives and learning opportunities after the conference or training is over. Those that work with me on a long term plan are almost without exception those that get amazing results and returns on their investment over and above anything they have had before.

Irrespective, it's a tough gig for us as speakers and conference presenters, and corporate trainers, let me tell you especially when many leaders or managers have no or little intent of ever following up on the ideas, stories, or strategies that we provide. It has nothing to do with money and everything to do with integrity. Somehow it's easier to employ us to do kick start a new process or be a catalyst for change, rather than work with us all year to provide continual support, impact, and most of all ensure that implementation takes place.

But then again, I am one of those windbags Leo talks about... but one who just happens to make a real difference in a world that is really different.  Do you?

www.rickynowak.com