Training and Egos

I think the ego is a white elephant in the training world. I rarely hear this discussed and I have no stats to back it up, but hear me out.

By showing up for training, we admit to the instructor that we’re not experts. Before that, we have to admit the same to our bosses –– in fact, we often have to make a case for how un-expert we are and how it’s hurting the company. And even before that, we have to admit it to ourselves.

That could be tough on the ego, and if your corporate culture is ego-driven, such admissions may be unconsciously (or actively) discouraged. And what about if you’re in a profession in which being an expert is baked into the job description?

Do you agree? And as workplace learning professionals, is this within our influence?