Leadership is a multifaceted role that demands a diverse skill set, encompassing qualities like effective communication, empathy, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and guide a team toward shared goals. While leadership can manifest in various forms, one often underestimated path to becoming an outstanding leader is through a background in training facilitation. Training facilitators possess a unique set of skills that naturally predispose them to leadership roles. In this article, we will delve into why training facilitators make exceptional leaders so hang on to your seats.

1. Effective Communication

Tolu, a corporate trainer with a knack for explaining intricate technical concepts assumed a leadership role in her organization. Her team appreciated her ability to break down complex strategies into manageable tasks, making the overall vision more attainable. One fateful week in the month of August, the team needed to turn in a report that required input from 6 people by the end of the month. Tolu clearly communicated what each person’s input in a way that everyone understood what was required of them and eventually she drew up a plan that everyone on the team followed and helped the team meet the deadline.

Effective communication lies at the heart of leadership, and training facilitators excel in this domain. They have mastered the art of conveying complex information clearly and engagingly. These skills seamlessly transition into leadership roles where clear communication is crucial for articulating the vision, goals, and expectations to the team as seen in the example above.

2. Empathy

It was written all over his face, that familiar look of confusion when you don’t understand a topic and everyone else gets hit but Musa dared to ask for clarity and I immediately changed my tone and volume while facing him directly. “Help me understand what you have gotten so far” I requested, and slowly but surely, he was able to come up to speed.

Empathy is another key trait that training facilitators often possess. Their role involves understanding and catering to the needs of diverse learners, fostering an environment where every individual feels valued. This skill becomes invaluable for leaders, as they must navigate the intricacies of team dynamics, inspire trust, and provide support when needed.

3. Adaptability

In the world of training and facilitation, adaptability is a must. Facilitators must adjust their approach based on their audience's needs and the ever-evolving landscape of knowledge and technology. This adaptability translates seamlessly into leadership roles, where leaders must navigate changing circumstances, industry trends, and team dynamics.

Maria, a trainer for over 10 years, has had to quickly learn how to use the ever-increasing updates on the software used in her industry to give her an edge over the competition and keep her updated with growing trends. This has helped her acquire the skill to be adaptable to changes which is required for leaders who want to keep abreast of increasing technology.

4. Conflict Resolution

Bosi did not have a very likable personality. It was obvious that he irked other learners because of his contentious nature. Very quickly I assured Bosi that his ideas were valid, we wanted to hear his opinion but if everyone shared their opinion in the way he went about it there would be no time for the training that everyone was here for. All his requests from then on were met with polite and calm responses and this returned the atmosphere of peace to the classroom.

Training facilitators often find themselves in such situations where conflicts arise among participants. Facilitators must develop strong conflict-resolution skills to maintain a conducive learning environment. These skills are directly applicable to leadership roles, where conflicts within a team are inevitable and can disrupt productivity and morale.

In conclusion, incorporating training facilitators into leadership positions can be a strategic move for organizations seeking effective and empathetic leaders. These individuals possess a unique skill set honed through their experiences in facilitating learning and growth. Their proficiency in communication, empathy, adaptability, and conflict resolution equips them to excel in leadership roles. As the examples have illustrated, training facilitators have the potential to become exceptional leaders who inspire, guide, and empower their teams to reach new heights.