Tip #974: A Recipe for an Effective Trainer

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 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;
minimize the use of lecture, asking questions to draw out the participants’ knowledge;
check for comprehension frequently and reteach in a different way if necessary;
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;
make sure participants have ample opportunity to practice their new skills while in the session;
have a plan to follow up with participants to reinforce learning application and retention when participants are back in the worksite;
create and maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for all participants; and
build participants’ confidence in their own competence.