The emergency response and leadership sectors are environments where the volume of training versus its quality is a constant dialogue. What if I told you that focusing on the bulk (quantity) of training, rather than the perfection of training, could enhance your skill sets? It may sound paradoxical, but it is indeed effective.
Learning Through Repetition: The Pottery Class Narrative
There is a story about a pottery class divided into two groups. One group was tasked with molding the perfect pot, while the others were challenged to produce as many pots as possible. The surprising outcome? The best pots are made by a team that focuses on quantity. This is because, with every effort, they learn and adjust their techniques, trying diverse methods, and through sheer practice, they achieve superior quality.
The pottery class story is not just an anecdotal story; it holds a lesson. Focusing on quantity allows you to make mistakes, learn, and progress. Each effort brings you a step closer to proficiency. The more you practice, the better you get. This principle can be applied to various skill sets, including medical procedures, rescue operations, crisis management, active shooter response, etc.
Quality is often misjudged as necessitating perfection from the start. However, it usually arises from repetition.
Steadiness: The Path to Mastery
Being consistent is vital in mastering any skill. Dedication to extensive training fosters a productive routine. This steadiness sharpens your skills and boosts your self-assurance, converting daunting tasks into daily routines.
Like regular gym attendance, productivity training is less about the perfect workout ‘routine’ and more about consistently showing up. The daily toil, commitment, and pursuit carve out expertise. By persistently putting in the work, progress is guaranteed. There might be bumps, setbacks, and challenges, but you grow more robust, equipped, and skilled each day you show up. This principle is universal across high-stakes disciplines. It’s not about reaching perfection in your training sessions but about establishing resilience, versatility, and competence through persistent practice. Your commitment to continuous effort is your secret weapon to mastering any skill and outperforming in your field.
Ask yourself;
When was the last time you went to the range?
When was the last time you practiced self-defense?
There is a shocking trend in the law enforcement community to practice only annually. This trend is a mere ‘check the box’ for standards at in-service.
That won’t cut it.
It does not make you safer. It does not make you proficient. It makes you a liability.
Public Safety Applications
Let’s consider the case of rescuers or firefighters. They became experts through relentless training, refining their skills with each practice session. Their success attests to the fact that quantity can indeed lead to quality.
How many times do firefighters practice breaching?
How many times do they practice repelling?
Organizations like the Red Cross and FEMA keep innovating by launching and refining new training programs. They understand that the initial version doesn’t have to be impeccable; it just needs to be a launchpad.
Feedback is a crucial component of the quantity-over-quality approach. Every task you practice offers a chance to get feedback. This feedback loop accelerates your learning and aids in making necessary adjustments. Please be open to constructive feedback and use it to improve your progress.
Taking on a large volume of tasks cultivates resilience. You get used to setbacks and understand them as part of the journey. This resilience is invaluable in any professional field, preparing you to tackle challenges bravely and emerge stronger.
When you concentrate on quantity, you inevitably become more efficient. You learn to manage your time better, prioritize tasks, and streamline your processes. This efficiency boosts your productivity and enhances your outcomes.
Balancing Between Quality and Quantity
Though this discussion is focused on quantity, it’s crucial to maintain a balance. The goal is not to engage in substandard practices but to utilize the volume of work as a route to quality. Set high standards for each task, but don’t avoid doing multiple drills or simulations.
Start by setting achievable goals. Break down large projects into smaller pieces. Commit to practicing a specific task daily or weekly. Keep track of your progress and celebrate small wins. Use tools and resources to stay organized and concentrate.
Embracing the quantity-over-quality mindset has enduring benefits. It promotes constant learning, flexibility, and innovation. Eventually, you’ll discover that your work meets and surpasses your initial quality expectations. This approach paves the way for sustainable success.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid of not improving. Train more. Get better.
It is that simple.