It’s often said that “the ordinary teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, and the great teacher inspires.” Virtually whoever queried how to be a great trainer has wondered how to inspire students to work at their best. And when it comes to delivering an efficient training program, a great trainer’s qualities can make all the variation.
Many people think that coaching is as easy as understanding the subject material and teaching well. While you need both of these qualities, they’re hard enough to make a great trainer. So, what other trainer qualities and skills do you need?
Qualities of A Great Trainer
Competent trainers continuously prepare and develop qualities that enhance their understanding of student and organizational needs. They know that the more they practice these qualities, the better equipped they’ll be to deliver training with accuracy and precision, create a vibrant learning atmosphere, incorporate current learning trends – and the list goes on.
Be a good (and patient) listener.
Some of the features of a great trainer are non-negotiable.
The ability to listen, ask the best questions, and understand the student’s needs is at the top of this list.
What is needs Analysis if not the method of carefully listening to the target attendees and unpacking what they need most? A talented trainer can listen so closely to what their target audience thinks they need that they can see what they need.
For example, a group of business associates might report that they need product training to close more deals per month. A great trainer might determine that sales staff have sufficient product knowledge already but need negotiation training to win customers more quickly.
Approach training strategically
A strategic trainer knows that training is only useful if it keeps within costs and delivers a desirable return on investment (ROI). Sounds obvious, right? Unfortunately, these factors are quickly forgotten once the complexities of the training process start to pile up.
The most fundamental qualities of a great trainer are their ability to keep their eye on the goal, and the associated restrictions, without compromising training quality. That is best achieved through partnering with various roles within the organization, such as department managers, operations, and human resources.
Encourage engagement
For skill development to happen, learners need opportunities to share their ideas, answer questions, and practice what they’ve learned. The traditional “top-down” lecture style isn’t sufficient for achieving meaningful Learning, even if the lecturer is a blast.
The best trainers encourage learners to ask questions, get involved in activities, and be active in their Learning rather than passively absorbing the material.
Analyze and improve again, and again, and again
The best trainers continuously ask themselves: “what makes a good trainer?”. They’re not only focused on developing their learners but also setting themselves.
Trainers can improve their performance by taking advantage of surveys and other forms of feedback. Great trainers don’t shy away from useful feedback but take it as an opportunity to re-examine their practices and do better the next time around.
Good trainers don’t just improve themselves; they also evaluate their training materials regularly. Old or irrelevant materials are phased out in favor of content that is more engaging and aligned with learner feedback about the course.
Prize Lifelong Learning
Finally, who more qualified to deliver training than someone who is continually learning themselves? That’s why lifelong Learning is one of the crucial characteristics of a good trainer.
Trainers who regularly undertake their Learning are more in touch with the everyday adult learner’s struggles and triumphs. That makes them more efficient in choosing content types, topics, and convenience features like mobile training when planning a course.
Lifelong learners are also inherently inspirational. Their passion and thirst for knowledge is infectious and can make all the difference when the material they need to teach is dry or obscure.
Equip Great Trainers With The Best Equipment
Each characteristic of a great trainer can make a massive difference in the program’s achievement and the engagement of students.
Trainers who invest their time in improving these qualities, and put them into practice, too, are compelled to see their course evaluations and student results improve. The right software can take them even further through innovative features that open up a world of design, content, and delivery options.
