I was trying to guess for someone today how many trainings I’ve performed for eCollege. Wow…I’ve been at the company almost 7 years and my first job was as a trainer. Now, as the manager of that same group I don’t “train” as much as I used to, but I still keep my toe in the pool. I would guess that I’ve given over 200 trainings in my tenure with eCollege. And that doesn’t include conference speaking, sales demonstrations, etc.
But what have I learned in that time? 1 part training = 1 part success. Unfortunately training is the last thing people think about and the first thing to get axed from any budget. (Even if that budget is simply time!) But I’ve seen partners who “didn’t need” training have a very bad time getting up and running. It’s more than important – it’s essential in 99% of cases.
Over the years, I’ve been asked a LOT how to pick a great trainer. In fact, I’ll likely have to do it again very soon myself! Sure, there are the typical job posting qualities: must be a good communicator, must have good prioritization skills, etc. But the list is bigger – more contextual than that. While I’ve been praised over the years as a great trainer, I know that I’m not the total package. (You can fool some of the people some of the time…) I don’t possess some of the qualities that I look for in others. (Isn’t that what a good boss does – find people who do what you don’t?) Not everyone is a great speaker while still being a great consultant. Some people can listen and be respectful but don’t have the “big picture” attribute. But, all things considered, this is a good list to start from if you’re looking for someone to be a “trainer” at your company. Let’s see if I can crystallize them here for you. A good trainer is:
1. A good teacher. The mission at eCollege for trainers is unique. We try to hire trainers who deliver teaching tips as well as functional, system training. We think this really differentiates us from our competitors. In my past life, when I was solely teaching using the Internet, I sat in on trainings from our competitors and it was always, “Click this button – here is what happens…” Ugh. Our trainers try VERY hard to use learning style research, education theory, and brain research to make our trainings actually helpful. Adults need context – they need to know how AND why. We try to provide that.
2. Someone who can handle a room. Good communication skills are essential. But presentation skills are not the only way to “handle a room!” This also includes listening, being respectful, good interpersonal skills, good nonverbals, etc. The best trainers aren’t on the stage the whole time and if they can’t relate 1X1, I’d rather find someone with who isn’t as strong with presentation, if they have great interpersonal skills. (I think we can always teach presentation skills to someone.)
3. Someone who can get to the “so what” of anything. When I took the main trainer role from a colleague who was moving on, there were several elements in our trainings that had no impact, because they didn’t really matter. People need things to be streamlined into what matters vs what doesn’t. Good trainers can do that after trying something just a few times. Brevity is important!
4. Someone who is flexible. I have worked with trainers before who found themselves in trouble if they got to a school and were told, “We already know the platform…can you teach us something about web 2.0?” They freaked out! But, we have some trainers who can absolutely handle that kind of curve ball without blinking. They think on their feet and it makes a major difference!
5. A creative. A person who thinks out of the box can provide that extra “umph” that people love. Little tips, tricks, and special “secrets” that accompany the training are essential. They make the training “pop” and the audience feels like they know “special” information.
6. A good storyteller. 75% of your audience relates to (any) story. So, I need someone who can tell a good, compelling, concise story to emphasize a point. (This can be taught to some people, but you need a good teacher who really understands the makings of a narrative.)
7. Someone who can follow up. The hardest thing for me (personally) is following up after the seminar. Good trainers are macro enough to get the big picture as well as micro enough to deal with the small details.
8. Someone who enjoys research. Good trainers have to know what trends are impacting whatever it is they train for. At eCollege it’s education, technology, learning, curriculum, outcomes, assessment, etc. So, we have to do our best to stay on top of what’s going on in the education world so we can provide really important, but correct insights for our participants.
9. Confident, but not cocky. Too confident feels “salesy” or “shmoozy” – I want genuine (as do trainees). This often comes from experience (on either side of the podium). Of course, the best way to acquire confidence is to do it, learning the mistakes not to repeat and the victories to include every time.
10. A strong leader. I work with people all the time who are scared to tell people what to do, how to think, etc. People can always disagree, but often, participants want someone to say, “This is the best way to do it” vs “There are lots of ways to do it, pick your favorite.” There is a time for each of those messages, but some people are scared to death of option 1. I need someone who’s not afraid to be assertive! Ultimately, most training participants want the same thing… as my old boss loves to say, “People want to be lead!”
Good trainers are hard to come by. A LOT of companies make the same mistake about this position that is made in several other positions. The assumption that somebody can train simply because they know the product, service, process, etc., is a bad line of reasoning. Many companies install executives who are great at what they do, assuming that this also means they know how to lead, communicate downward, manage, etc. It’s a bad assumption for anyone to make and it’s bad for trainers. Often the best trainers are simply the best communicators. And there is a LOT of communication needed…presentation, interpersonal, intercultural, small group, nonverbal, organizational, etc. But, once you find a good trainer, treat them well. Because as helpful as that trainer is for your school, they are a show-piece that others start to want as representatives for their own organizations.
