In training and facilitation, See rejection as redirection... not resistance

"Rejection is Redirection” is one of the most useful mindsets I’ve developed as a facilitator.

When you’re leading a session, it’s easy to forget that participation is always a choice.

I was reminded of this during a recent session when I was calling on different learners to read a part of a slide. Most obliged when called - until one person said flat out "no".

This came as a momentary pattern disruption for me. But - remembering the "rejection is redirection" mindset - I respected their decision and moved on to someone else. Earlier in my career, I likely may have either pressed them further, or taken it personally, thinking that they were rejecting me.

The reality is that they simply made a choice based on their personal preferences and self-interest. Had I challenged and urged them to participate, that may have caused a bigger problem.

So - the next time someone says "no" to participation - don't dwell on it - move on and remember that some will, some won't, so what, someone waiting to participate.