Journelism

So, it turns out, I am good at one aspect of this job—training people.

Whenever someone applies to become a canvasser, they spend their first day observing one of the existing staffers. That day dictates whether or not they get hired. Their trainer pretty much gives the thumbs up or thumbs down as to whether the trainee gets invited back the next day.

Well, last week, I was assigned my very own observer for the first time. I’m the newest to canvassing in the office, so I hadn’t expected Hannah to entrust me with this important role. But hey, she makes plenty of decisions I don’t understand. So there I am, not even good at canvassing on my own—according to boss lady, at least—but I’m teaching a newbie how to do it.

Well, here’s the funny thing: I rock at training. All the confidence in my abilities that Hannah has robbed me of comes rushing back to me when I’m training. Suddenly I’m back to being really excited about the job. Somehow needing to be a good example makes me the best example: I have more energy when I’m out hitting doors, I know exactly what to say and how to say it when potential donors ask me questions, and I just develop a whole other persona—one that knows precisely how much encouragement to give, enthusiasm to ooze and advice to bestow.

It’s like… it’s like I’m acting. But it’s a role I’ve never seen the script for and yet I know all the lines. You know how they say, “Those who can’t do, teach.” I’m starting to think it’s true. Not that I believe I’m as bad at this job as my supervisor thinks, but I know I’m not great at it. But I am great at this.

OK, maybe I should clarify. My trainee who was just hired hasn’t had any time yet to prove if she’s going to be a great canvasser. So when I say I’m great at training, I’m not guaranteeing that my trainees will rock this job. What I’m saying is, I am good at making the job seem appealing to our potential employees; when I’m on my game, canvassing seems really fun and not that difficult and hanging out with the staff seems fun and… my trainees, after a day with me, hope to get hired. I consider that successful training.

That said, I sure hope my trainee becomes a solid canvasser. It would really reflect well on me, and I could use some good reflections.