Yesterday I wrote that learning must be done through action, not solely observance.
My dining experience today resonated this philosophy and made me question why they call it “job shadowing.”
Last time I watched my shadow, it moved when I moved, did what I did, messed up when I did. My shadow didn’t hover behind me, it didn’t lean over my shoulder, it didn’t just follow me, it made all the same moves I did.
The waitress introduced herself and the trainee trailed right behind her the entire afternoon, from table to table. Her cheeks had to hurt because beside walking, all that she was doing was smiling. There was no conversation, no getting drinks, no effort. Not her fault at all. It’s the fault of society’s misconception of training people.
Can she get by and meet the needs of the restaurant by shadowing this way – sure. But that comes with externalities.
Those being poorer experiences for the consumer, the “teacher,” and the shadower.
Stay Positive & It’s Not “What Did You Learn Today,” It’s “What Did You Do?”
Garth E. Beyer
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