Sugar Coating the Training Message

Doughnuts are always a crowd pleaser at safety training sessions. My favorite is the jelly doughnut, you know, the one with the white powder confectioner’s sugar on the outside. So, I generally grab one early while I have the chance before the session starts.

One time, I grabbed my favorite doughnut as I was preparing a training class for company safety professionals and managers. I welcomed the participants as they streamed in and then spent the morning going over various safety issues. After three hours, I took the opportunity for a bio-break.

When I went into the restroom and peered in the mirror, I experienced total shock. It seems my face was totally covered in white powder sugar from my favorite doughnut!!  What was most embarrassing was the fact that no one had felt comfortable telling me I looked so ridiculous.

The outcome of this event, beyond the lasting scar to my psyche, is that I continue to provide doughnuts at my training sessions, but now I choose the very plain and un-sugared original doughnut; I also check my appearance before the start of any sessions I facilitate.

P.S. I do still eat sugared jelly doughnuts but only within the safe confines of my own home.

Name withheld by request

Editor's Note: What's the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you during a training session? Send your stories to me at catherinej@bongarde.com . If we use it, we won't print your name—I promise.

Catherine Jones
Co Editor-in-Chief
SafetyXChange.org

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