Tip #959: How to Get Past Participant Resistance

The second session of First Aid for New Trainers focused on how to get past participant resistance.

When planning a training program, it is wise for the trainer to identify:

1. Probable past experiences that can help the participants want to learn about the topic [positive transfer];
2. Probable past experiences that can keep the participants from wanting to learn about the topic [negative transfer]; and
3. Learning activities that will increase positive transfer and decrease or disconnect negative transfer.

There are ten strategies that can be used in virtual or classroom training programs:

1. Use an Oral Relay, in which half the participants identify the pros and the other half identify the cons of the topic or change. They then line up in parallel lines facing each other and take turns saying a con, then saying a pro. You want the last statement to be a pro. Adapt for virtual training by having them take turns speaking their pro or con aloud.
2. Ask “What are the benefits of…” learning the content, to which the participants brainstorm their answers.
3. Ask “What are the consequences of not…” learning the content or making the change, to which the participants brainstorm their answers.
4. Ask “What are your concerns about…”the current system or situation, to which the participants brainstorm their answers.
5. Use Timed Venting, which gives the participants 10 minutes to vent their concerns about the proposed change. Flipchart or whiteboard them and then go through them point by point, clarifying any misunderstandings and emphasizing the concerns that will be addressed.
6. Point Out Past Positives, in which positive transfer experiences are emphasized.
7. Acknowledge Reality, which involves recognizing the current situation, discussing the issues, and pointing out the necessity of learning how to live with the situation.
8. Send Pre-Training Emails, which ask participants to honestly respond about their concerns and wishes, so the trainer can address or incorporate them in the training content. [Offered by Sally Anders]
9. Play Calming Music.
10. Hand out Candy and Rewards to those who actively participate.

The next session of First Aid for New Trainers on January 25^th will focus on How to Get Participants to Actively Participate in Virtual Programs. Registration is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-aid-for-new-trainers-tickets-492093273227

May your learning be sweet- and safe.

Deborah

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