Pleeeeeeeease DON'T HELP ME!

Speaker outdid himself that day. His usual sparkle dazzled, his anecdotes garnered unwavering attention – his inimitable style arrested unbridled laughter which ensured that every member of the captivated audience would have the learning points embedded in their psyche, for yonks to come.

Listening raptly and observing with sheer delight, my creative juices gurgled forth with ideas of how this superlative delivery could reach those who were not there, as well as be available as permanent reminders for those who had been fortunate enough to be a part of the moments. As always, me the Trainer, huh? And when comments were invited, I proclaimed the same things too! As we were dispersing, still brimming with excitement, I offered the videographer some ideas if he’d like to hear them. He good-naturedly replied “We know what to do” with an indulging smile.

Undeterred from having the potential of the delivery exploded, I briefly mentioned my ideas to Speaker who said that it was fine to share them with Videographer. I did so a couple of days later, over the phone, stating that Speaker had suggested that I contact him directly. For reassurance that I actually do know what I am talking about, I offered Videographer that I do have a background in international background journalism, and had also written the script as well as directed a learning video for Malaysia’s prestigious Fortune 500 national oil and gas company, which was still being used in their international training center. Videographer listened intently, then explained that his schedule was full for the next few weeks, but that he would contact me when some time freed up. Ding Dong! That ought to have been the first alarm bell, right there.

Ever the champion of being transparent in work processes, I followed up with an e-mail that had all concerned updated on all the conversations shared and ideas put forth. Speaker endorsed the email, and in a follow-up call to me Videographer was very accommodating stating that he would let me know when the first edits had been done, and invite me over for a discussion at that time. Should I have heard a bell tinkling then?

Some weeks later another speaking session was due. It was the perfect time to contact Videographer again, so I did. This time he offered me the original tape to work on, (Aha! So that has been his fear, had it?) which I of course declined, reiterating that I was offering only ideas and to work with him, and not to take anything away from him. He seemed relived, and the conversation went well, and he assured me that he would record the upcoming session too.

On the day, we happened to meet on the way up and the crew was wonderful with helping to ready the hall etc. Afterwards, Videographer respectfully came over to say that this session would be a straight edit and I agreed that it certainly was of a different genre, unlike the other. He explained that his team was highly experienced and that his brother was a multimedia graduate and that he’d relate to Speaker directly now. Sigh. Hello? Creative people know that ideas enrich, not denude. Technical people believe the specs are all there is to something. Sigh; and sigh again. Oh well! This time I heard both the DING and the DONG, loud and clear!!!!! I DON’T need your help.

Several days later, Speaker said that he and Videographer had met and that he’d said that he could handle the project on his own. YES I KNOW my mind screamed. Calmly, I replied that Videographer had relayed that to me already and there were no issues on my part. Hello again? Did anyone think I was nuts to offer my time and professional experience FOC out of anything but the passion that courses through my perpetually red-hot veins? Silly, silly me. But no, I don’t want to conform to common, small-minded expectations! And I won’t. Passionate input anyone?