Denise CourtneyPicture a classroom full of children; minds like sponges ready to learn. Now visualise a roomful of adults, a mix of all ages and experience and some there solely so that their employer can tick a box. The fact is, that adults are often not easy to teach, a difficult hurdle for even the most experienced trainer.
So, what qualities do you need to help people become passionate about their development? What does it take to be a ‘good’ business trainer?
BE GOAL ORIENTATED
Good trainers are strategic thinkers. They understand how what they deliver positively impacts upon a business, individual or team.
If people see that working with you will prove instrumental in achieving their aims, whether it’s earning more money, managing time effectively, or pure unadulterated self-development, you’re onto a winner.
Your training must be absolutely tailored to the needs and goals of your attendees. If your audience can ascertain this from the very start, their connection with you will be more meaningful and the outcome far more successful for all involved.
HAVE INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
We all know that there’s a difference between teachers who simply read from a power point and rely heavily on a hand out, and those who have a passion for their subject and an impressive knowledge of it.
We’re not suggesting that you become a walking encyclopaedia of every single industry, but you must be able to demonstrate that you know what you are talking about and how it relates to attendees and their goals.
It has to be said that as trainers, this should really be a no-brainer. At Courtney Associates, when we source new team members, we’re looking for that spark, a thirst for knowledge and passing it on, which should be embedded in every good trainer.
RESPECT THE KNOWLEDGEABLE
When you run a course, there are always those who know more about the subject than you do. And that’s OK.
It’s good to acknowledge that someone knows more than you, they’re in the industry; they should know more than you. As a trainer, you’re there to develop interpersonal skills, not educate them on the finer workings of quantum mechanics, or whatever their subject may be.
Recognising someone’s knowledge shows respect. Involve them, even defer to them on occasion and watch a unique dynamic unfold. Not only will you see those people become closer to and more respected by their colleagues, you’ll cement your reputation as a first class trainer.
GOOD COMMUNICATION (AND THE REST)
We’re not talking the standard CV ‘good communication skills’ cliché here. As a trainer, your communication skills must be second to none. You need to be assertive, respectful and entertaining all at the same time.
You’ll meet people who know nothing about the subject and those who know pretty much everything. There’ll be people who are eager to learn, and those who just can’t be bothered. You’ll need to be able to think on your feet, answer questions on the spot, and deal with differences of opinion. Make no mistake; a good trainer transforms communication into an art form.
At the end of the day, training is not a passive activity. It’s energetic, lively and dependent upon full engagement.
If you manage to implement the above elements into your training methods, you might just find yourself becoming renowned for really great and entertaining content and delivery. And you can’t put a price on that.
To find out how we can help your business or personal development visit http://courtneyassociates.co.uk