“The fact is that it takes more than ingredients and technique to cook a good meal. A good cook puts something of himself into the preparation — he cooks with enjoyment, anticipation, spontaneity, and he is willing to experiment.” Pearl Bailey
In no particular order, effective trainers:
- recognize that training programs are about the learner, not the trainer;
- care about people;
- are resilient;
- are flexible to adapt to the specific needs and learning styles of the participants;
- are able to make decisions before, during, and after the training session that will increase the probability that learning will occur;
- are continually interested in learning;
- are open to the challenges, risks and rewards of moving people beyond their comfort zone;
- are entertaining;
- are focused;
- are credible;
- have a clear lesson plan that incorporates adult learning principles and has specific, observable and measurable learning objectives;
- have knowledge of and employ a wide variety of learning activities;
- have a sense of humor about themselves and their abilities, including the ability to acknowledge mistakes and not take themselves too seriously;
- model what they teach;
- are effective and engaging presenters;
- have proficient group facilitation skills;
- create and maintain a comfortable learning environment for all participants; and
- build participants’ confidence in their own competence.
All of these qualities, skills and characteristics are intended to accomplish a trainer’s primary mission: to set learners up for success.
What other ingredients would you add to the recipe for an effective trainer?
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
