The training industry is saturated because we are in the knowledge era. Trainers now include course creators, parents, content producers, teachers, or anyone who facilitates a learning experience for others. Often, emphasis is placed on mastering the content or course curriculum, however, the ability to take a learner from novice to conscious competence is a rare skill and these five qualities will ensure you excel and stand out as a facilitator of transformational learning experiences in a highly competitive industry.

1. Empathy

“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care”- Theodore Roosevelt

It is important for us as trainers to see our clients or learners as people rather than money-spinning ventures. Deeply care and empathize about your learners actually learning and understanding the subject matter. When you deploy care, it shows in how you prepare for the training, the methods you use to ensure knowledge transfer, the way you support your learners, etc.

The game has moved beyond showcasing your brilliance and intellectual prowess as a trainer; it's now about understanding multiple intelligences, considering diverse learning styles, recognizing the psychology of learning, designing curricula, and creating learning experiences that are inclusive in nature. An exceptional trainer goes over and above the call of duty to ensure learners actually learn and have a solid grasp of the subject matter. In every learning context, always ask yourself- “How am I really adding value to my learners?”

2. Willingness to Learn From Your Learners

“Everyone is my teacher. Some I seek, some I subconsciously attract. Often, I learn simply by observing others. Some may be completely unaware that I’m learning from them, yet I bow deeply in gratitude”- Eric Allen

Learning is a two-way process that involves both trainer and learner and it is imperative to remember that in facilitating learning experiences, you do not know it all and would often meet learners who are proficient in that area via experience. 

An outstanding trainer prioritizes creating interactive and engaging learning solutions that enable mutual knowledge transfer between learners and trainers. Leverage curiosity in your classroom: show up in class as a student. The use of active questioning, scenario painting, and experience sharing can help you as a trainer to pry open your learners for shared learning opportunities. I usually tell my learners that I update my teaching slides just by listening intently in class.

3. An Undeniable Personal Brand

Everyone has a signature style of training and system of engagement with learners in different learning contexts and it's important to be self-aware enough to know how you show up as a trainer, discover what makes you tick, and refine your brand as you go along. My signature style as a trainer is simple, easy, and engaging- This has become synonymous with my personal brand. I am the go-to expert for teaching complex subjects in a simple, easy, and engaging way. 

To understand your personal brand as a trainer, make use of feedback surveys and assessments after your training and pay keen attention to your learning contexts. This will help you identify, define, and refine your style, system, and brand which pays off hugely in credibility and authenticity.

4. A Tested Training Methodology

As a trainer, do not go to a learning context with an intention to wing it - It's unethical and unfair to both yourself and your learners. Craftsmanship as a trainer is A BIG DEAL! 

Be immersed in your content, do thorough research, learn something fresh about your content or curricula regardless of your level of expertise, have thorough training rehearsals with your team if need be, review your slides and be prepared. If you need to take a certification in a global training methodology, click here.

5. A Fun Class

“People learn better when they are feeling strong positive emotions”- Dulay & Burt, 1977; Krashen, 1982; The Neuroscience of Joyful Education

No, I’m not asking that you become a standup comedian in class, I’m saying make your class enjoyable. There’s increasing pedagogical research* supporting the mutual inclusivity of play, fun, and learning. Even though adults learn differently than children, they also benefit from specialized immersive play-learning experiences. 

As a trainer, your learners can tell if you enjoy what you do and that energy is contagious; so go to class whether virtual or onsite with delight, a can-do attitude, and fun-filled energy because it's easier to learn from someone you like or have become comfortable with. 

With flipcharts, whiteboards, and projectors

StandOut!

References

*Excelsior Education, July 2021, Fun in Learning Helps Boost Creativity & Productivity