John Gunkler wrote:
> Okay, Vana, I agree that "touchy-feely" is often used in a pejorative way
> -- much as you describe. But it is also used simply descriptively for
> activities that aim at psychological or group cultural effects rather than
> (direct) bottom-line performance effects.
I have found the other descriptions and definitions of "touchy-feely" very
interesting. I agree with John and others that some people who feel that
INTRApersonal skill building is taboo will call this type of training
"touchy feely." This is regrettable because the type of training they are
describing is very legitimate and valuable for business development.
Definition: INTRApersonal skill building develops the type of skills that
one needs to better understand and use individual motives, values,
perspectives, etc. It explores personality, individual styles, culture,
history, spirituality, and a host of issues that have not traditionally
been part of the corporate training landscape. This is the thread that I
have really appreciated about this topic. There seems to be a fairly
widespread acceptance of the value of this type of training. Not so long
ago, it was a real uphill battle to get corporations or industry to engage
in this training.
When I refer to "touchy-feely," I'm really thinking of this type of
training that is being executed with gushing emotions and an almost
theatrical quality of being upbeat, cheerleading, etc. The emphasis is on
the "show" and less importance is put on the content or the learning /
behavior outcomes. I see a lot of this in team training. People get
hauled off to hang in trees together but don't learn anything practical
about how to behave as a team in the workplace. They don't learn problem
solving skills or conflict resolution skills. This, to me, is worthless
(unless of course their job is to hang in trees together).
Thanks for the interesting dialogue.
kind regards,
Vana Prewitt
www.PraxisLearning.org
--Vana Prewitt <vana@PraxisLearning.org>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>