Train the trainer courses London to Erbil
The aphorism, “Fail to plan - plan to fail” sprung to mind.
This article is about the need for excellent planning and communication.
I recently undertook an interesting assignment in Erbil, Kurdistan.
The Training Manager (David) made a great job of planning. However, he has worked there for several years and knows his way around.
Traveling to an unknown destination creates a lot of uncertainty. Do I need to take risks to deliver these courses in northern Iraq, or should I stay at home and put my feet up?
I have never been one for relaxing. I’ve delivered my train the trainer courses in Bangladesh, Palestine, and across Europe so I’m not going to turn down a golden opportunity to visit an exciting place like Erbil.
What I loved about the plan were David’s keen eyes and ears. We’d exchanged many emails and spoken on the telephone a handful of times.
He was remarkably helpful and supportive and put me at ease about the issues of personal security and transport issues.
I also had to shift a few dates in my diary to facilitate the dates his company required. My 5-day class ended on the Friday of my departure which wasn’t a problem because I have a colleague, Amjad, who always covers the final session before we say goodbye and class disburses. But this time I had to leave at lunchtime.
From our discussions, David proposed this detailed plan:
Ensure my Covid jabs were up to date, and download them from the NHS website.
Buy some US dollars required for the visa tax on arrival.
Buy airline tickets via Turkish Airways to Erbil.
Book open tickets on the Gatwick Express.
Do the online check-in and print off boarding passes.
Friday morning – departure day – take my large suitcase to Victoria station and check it into the stored luggage at platform 7.
Continue by tube to King’s Cross and deliver the final morning of the 5-day course.
Hand over to Amjad and take a brief lunch with 5-day students.
Head from King’s Cross back to Victoria and collect the luggage.
Take the 13.28 to Gatwick for my 17.05 flight via Turkish Airways.
Catch the 00.20 flight from Istanbul to Erbil.
Pay the entry visa - $70 USD in a little kiosk at the back of the passport hall before presenting my passport to clear security.
Exit passport control.
04.00 await Bashar, a company driver, and ask for the security password.
The Rotana hotel reception staff had been notified that I’d arrive around 5 am.
Had I tried to make these arrangements myself, I’m certain I would have struggled with the details.
To have an experienced communicator go through the trouble of preparing the plan was an eye-opener.
So much so, I revised my King’s Cross amenities document and filled in a few gaps to help my students facilitate their travel and accommodation plans.
Here I am in Erbil writing this article, looking out over the huge Sami Abdulrahman Park and enjoying the twinkling lights of Erbil's early evening.
David has just informed me that he’s hired a driver and security staff for the weekend and booked a private tour at the Citadel.
Erbil is one of the world's oldest towns with a settlement dating back 6,000 years.
I’m just updating my notes for my two upcoming train the trainer courses, with useful information, again supplied by David.
I’ve only been here a few days, but I can’t wait to return and deliver an executive public speaking course and a few more of my train the trainer courses.
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