Tip #359: A Recipe for an Effective Trainer

“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

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