A facilitator’s guide to learning, unlearning, and relearning to keep up with times.

Adaptability has become one of the most important skills today. With constant change, developing a strong AQ helps you handle new challenges, adjust to changed circumstances, and stay effective.

Drawing insights from tennis

I remember trying to teach myself tennis a while back. My son loved the sport, and I thought it would be a great way to connect with him. I figured I could manage on my own, just like many workshop facilitators think they can step into group delivery without extra help. But my poor grip, awkward stance, and flawed serve soon showed me my limits. I plateaued while my son kept improving, until his coach kindly asked if I’d considered lessons. With professional guidance, I changed everything: my grip, my footwork, my mindset. It felt very uncomfortable at the time, however, the outcome was undeniably worthwhile, as my gameplay significantly improved. But when things got tough in a game, I kept slipping back into my old grip out of habit and comfort.

“When I needed my NEW GRIP the most, I went to my OLD GRIP.”

Sound familiar? When we step into a new role at work, or when we transition from coaching clients one-on-one to facilitating workshops, we can also fall back on outdated habits, especially under pressure. We know change is needed, but the discomfort makes us cling to what we know. Most people are more comfortable with old problems than with new solutions. We focus on what we might lose rather than what we could gain.

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write,
but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”
Alvin Toffler

Building our AQ helps us adapt, overcome challenges, and thrive in a fast-changing world. It enables us to:

• Determine what’s relevant
• Forget obsolete knowledge
• Overcome challenges and adjust to change, in real time

In this article, I’ll share how you can strengthen yours to thrive in a changing business landscape.

Learn - Unlearn - Relearn

Group dynamics, client expectations, and delivery methods constantly shift. If you’re promoted into a new role, moving from one-to-one coaching to group facilitation, or working online instead of in-person, it can feel shaky. Like my tennis journey, you may need to let go of habits you’ve had for years. At first, change feels awkward — but that’s a sign you’re growing. The more you build your AQ, the more you’ll see opportunities instead of obstacles.

Old assumptions limit new possibilities.

Strong leadership relies on these three key aspects:

1. LEARN
   …new knowledge and skills.

2. UNLEARN
   … and letting go of outdated or irrelevant information.

3. RELEARN
   …how to overcome challenges and adapt in real time.

Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. But to truly grow, we also have to unlearn what we think we know, to create space to relearn what we need to know now. Letting go can feel challenging, like dropping that old tennis grip. We often cling to the familiar, which limits growth.

“If the rate of change on the outside exceeds
the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.”
Jack Welch

Overcoming the mindset of “knowing it all” is crucial for embracing new possibilities.

Overcome resistance

On the tennis court, I slipped back into my old grip under stress. The same happens to many of us: when things get messy, we revert to familiar patterns. Resistance is human. But to achieve success, we must see that letting go of the familiar doesn’t mean giving up power — it means taking charge of the future.

It’s important to recognise that what got us here, won’t get us there. Embracing new thinking becomes the secret ingredient, enabling us to better understand our challenges and develop improved approaches to tackle them. Spot those moments of resistance and replace them with small, practical steps to adapt. You’ll feel more confident over time.

For example, coaches transitioning to facilitation might need to:

• Learn how to manage group dynamics
• Unlearn one-on-one delivery habits
• Relearn -creating outcomes with a group

Or they might need to:

• Learn digital workshop delivery tools
• Unlearn a highly personalised delivery
• Relearn consistent, branded forms and resources

Or perhaps:

• Learn to read and respond to group signals
• Unlearn the habit of over-delivering content
• Relearn holding space and trusting group wisdom

Cultivate a growth mindset

Let’s use another sports example: beginner soccer players often chase the ball like a swarm of bees, but great players, like Ronaldo and Messi, position themselves where the ball is going to be. They know their place, everyone else’s, and the game’s direction.

Similarly, great facilitators think strategically, looking ahead. A growth mindset helps us learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay ahead. Growth means being willing to rethink what you know and trusting your adaptability to carry you forward.

Simple ways to cultivate a growth mindset:

• seek feedback to improve rather than prove
• see challenges as opportunities to stretch
• reflect on what went well and what to adjust
• remember effort leads to mastery, not weakness

Old keys don’t open new doors. By strengthening your AQ, you expand possibilities. So let’s embrace adaptability, nurture our skills, and make a positive impact on ourselves, our teams, and our communities. Through continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning, we broaden our horizons and lift those around us. Remember, growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum — surround yourself with others on the same journey, and you’ll adapt faster and more confidently.

“Action and adaptability create opportunity.”
Garrison Wynn

Building your AQ will help you feel strong, relevant, and energised as a facilitator. Next time you sense yourself slipping back into old routines, pause and ask: What can I learn, unlearn, or relearn today? Small steps create big growth. Stay curious, connect with your community, and remember that adapting together makes us stronger.

PS: Want help with unlearning and relearning your facilitation approach? Check out our ‘Coach to facilitator’ program, or join us for the next free masterclass to strengthen your growth mindset!

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