When Electricity Fails

When Electricity Fails By: Margaret Jackson FLPI ACC (Managing Partner Rainbow Consult, Convener L&D Africa Conference) Accra, Ghana At Rainbow Consult, we always carry the following items: two flipchart stands, at least five bundles of flipchart sheets, and printed copies of our presentations complete with trainer notes for every training we facilitate. You won’t believe this, that has not always been the case. I’m sure you are itching to know how this came about. Stick with me, I’ll show you why this mindset has become the backbone of what we do. Let me take you back to the late ’90s, a time when electricity outages in Ghana were rampant. During one memorable session outside Accra, the day started perfectly. Participants were engaged, discussions were flowing, and everything seemed on track. Then it happened. The electricity went out. No problem, we were prepared. Out came the generator, and within moments, the session was back on course. But just 20 minutes later, the generator failed. Cue the moment of truth: do we let this derail the session, or do we adapt? Here’s what happened next: We prioritized activities: While we brainstormed our next steps, we reached a pivotal moment in the session where we deliberately SACRIFICED SLIDES FOR ACTIVITIES. This shift marked a turning point in our approach, allowing us to focus on hands-on, interactive experiences that actively engaged participants. We consulted our trainer notes: With our printed materials, we reviewed the remaining session plan and tailored it for the new circumstances. We leveraged the flipchart sheets: Using these as our primary visual aid, by debriefing the activities outlining key points on them. This allowed us to guide participants through the session without missing a beat. The result? Not a single participant noticed the absence of slides or a projector, as the session was filled with energy, engagement, and meaningful interactions. They walked away with new skills, practical knowledge, and a deeply positive experience they could apply immediately in their work and professional interactions. The activities not only reinforced the key objectives of the workshop but also bridged the gap between theory and real-world application. That day, we solidified an important truth: when learning is tied directly to hands-on activities and practical outcomes, it creates a more profound and lasting impact. You can now see why these materials are very essential for every training session. Let’s recap. For instance, the first flipchart stand is used for participant presentations and the second flipchart for activity debriefs by the facilitator. The five bundles of sheets also help to cover the extra workload for debriefing activities when everything else fails and the printed presentations and trainer notes serve as a lasting reference for trainers when electricity fails and the laptop runs out of power. These materials enhance engagement and reinforce learning. Here’s our takeaway for you: When the unexpected happens, don’t panic. You have heard it said when you run out of time SACRIFICE SLIDES FOR ACTIVITIES, well today we are adding to the point when electricity fails SACRIFICE SLIDES FOR ACTIVITIES.  The true impact comes from your ability to adapt, connect with your audience, and deliver an experience that resonates beyond the session. Now, we’d love to hear from you. What’s your go-to backup plan when things don’t go as expected during a training session? Let’s exchange ideas you never know when you might need a new strategy! You might need a new strategy!