The Shop Floor Never Lies

Over the years, my role has grown in scope and complexity—but one practice has stayed constant:

 I still walk the floors.

Not as a formality. Not for visibility. But to feel the pulse of the operation—raw, real, and unfiltered.

When I walk the shop floor—whether it’s on land or at sea—I observe, I listen, I absorb.

 I see learning in motion.

 I catch moments that never show up on training dashboards.

 I witness service standards being elevated… or quietly slipping.

It's in these micro-moments that the richest insights live.

🔹 A crew member improvising beautifully under pressure.

 🔹 A leader subtly coaching their team mid-shift.

 🔹 A missed opportunity that turns into a live learning moment.

This is where the real training feedback happens. Not in forms. Not in post-session surveys. But in real time, in real settings, with real people.

These walk-throughs have helped me:

 ✔ Refine content based on lived realities

 ✔ Spot behavioural gaps early

 ✔ Reinforce psychological safety

 ✔ Co-create solutions with those on the frontline

Truth is, you can't design meaningful L&D in isolation.

 You design it in proximity—with eyes wide open, feet firmly on the ground, and ears tuned into what isn't being said.

Walking the floors keeps me honest. It sharpens my intuition. It gives me the credibility to say, "I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. Let’s build from here."

And in a world increasingly obsessed with data, dashboards, and digital interventions—this old-school habit is my competitive edge.

Because nothing beats lived insight.

 And no LMS can replace walking the talk.

Do you have your own version of this practice?

 I’d love to hear how you stay grounded as a learning leader.

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