Trainers are the cornerstone of any organisation. They help employees to grow, put together useful online courses, and are usually some of the most experienced people in your teams.
Trainers do this through a harmonious learning environment ensuring that learners are bettering themselves and the company’s skillsets are expanding. But what if trainers aren’t keeping up with the latest skills themselves?
All trainers should possess the necessary skills to be able to handle the ever-evolving environment of training and development. But what are the best trainer skills for you to have?
What Are Trainer Skills?
Trainer skills are the skills and abilities that propel trainers through their profession. Knowing how to create a training plan is one thing, but the learning management process is one that has many facets and having the right skills is necessary for success.
Training comprises public speaking where trainers interact with learners, interpersonal skills that help form healthy relationships, and an array of other capabilities.
Without the right skills, you won’t be able to train your trainees to the best of their abilities. Good training starts with a learning and development expert that has honed his skills to ensure success and growth.
Types of Trainer Skills
1. Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving is a skill that involves identifying and solving unexpected situations. As a trainer, you will regularly be faced with unplanned events that require an analytical mind to help solve. While many people may think you either “have” an analytical mind or not, it’s not true. Analytical skills can be developed and is a skill that all trainers should work towards improving.
Thinking on your feet will help you master the training environment and make the learning process more effective. It’s exactly what is needed for an active learning experience and efficient training.
2. Communication skills
Good communication is not only about what you say but how you say it. This is a lesson that we’ve learned so many times in life, but have you acquired this talent?
In a learning environment, communication skills are extremely important. When you communicate clearly, you avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding. Your training sessions will be more successful as you are better at passing on knowledge.
As an instructor, communication is one of the most important skills to possess. It’s at the forefront of connecting with your trainees.
3. Active listening skills
Active listening skills involve being completely focused on what your trainees have to say to you. It’s not good enough to just smile and nod but not actually hear what they are saying.
Not only will you be able to find out more about what they are struggling with to help improve your lessons, but you will also develop better listening rapport. Ever heard of the statement “respect is earned”? Well, listening and respect go hand-in-hand. If you want your students to actively listen to you, it’s important that you also actively listen to them.
This is exactly what successful training is all about. Active listening skills bring validation, address concerns, and guarantee learner satisfaction. Ultimately, It’s said that good listeners are good teachers and learners.
4. Management skills
As a trainer, you’ll have a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time. With proper management skills, you’ll know how to prioritise important tasks so learners can maximise productivity and accomplish set goals.
Management skills are also good for maximising the effectiveness of a training program. With these skills, trainers will ensure that resources are allocated properly. Costs will be allocated appropriately and wastage will be avoided.
Proper management also mitigates risks associated with training like poor performance and lack of compliance.
5. Organisational skills
As a corporate trainer, your organizational skills are your secret superpower. They help you plan effectively, balancing a multitude of tasks without breaking a sweat. Imagine seamlessly preparing comprehensive lesson plans, managing resources, and keeping detailed records of trainee progress. Prioritising tasks become second nature, ensuring you never overlook critical aspects of the training. With these skills, you’ll be creating a well-structured, efficient learning environment that learners can thrive in. After all, a well-organized trainer leads to a well-organized training session.
6. Motivation skills
A trainer should always uplift their teaching and learning environment. They should be the bedrock not only of knowledge but also be there for their trainees when times are tough and spirits are low.
Training is not only about teaching. It’s equally about having someone to go to when things are tough or when trainees need ‘extra juice’ to go through their lessons.
Training sessions can be tough, especially when learners don’t understand what is taught, feel like attending training sessions, or even interacting with others – we’ve all had those days.
By having adequate motivational skills, you will be able to step in and ensure that your lessons are still successful, even if your learners are struggling to find inspiration.
7. Time management skills
Time is of the essence, especially for a corporate trainer. Excelling in time management means always being punctual, respecting not only your time but also that of your trainees. It’s about striking the perfect balance between content and time, ensuring every topic is adequately covered without rushing or dragging.
You’ll master the art of sequencing tasks for optimal learning and allocate time wisely for discussions, breaks, practical exercises, and Q&A sessions. With your time management techniques finely tuned, your training sessions will be a blend of efficiency and effectiveness, offering a comprehensive learning experience for all involved.
8. Sensitivity skills
Different people behave differently. As a trainer, you should be sensitive to the feelings of your trainees on all occasions.
You’ll be delighted to find out how this will validate everyone’s feelings and make the learning process smoother. It also brings about empathy.
For instance, you don’t want to train topics that are favourable to only a few learners, while the others feel left out. When trainers are not sensitive, the training process may be counterproductive and can even lead to resentment which will further derail the training process.
9. Emotional intelligence skills
As you know, training can be stressful. You’ll have good days and bad days, but knowing how to deal with the bad days is what sets a good trainer apart from the rest.
Emotional intelligence is all about decoding what people around you feel. As a corporate trainer, you should manage your trainees’ emotions accordingly.
Know when the class is in high spirits and counter low moods by refreshing the atmosphere. Take time to talk to learners and find out the things they are struggling with.
They say caring is sharing, right? You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn from a heart to heart conversation. Ultimately, you’ll build a stronger bond with those around you using this trainer skill.
10. Conflict resolution skills
Conflict is often part of the training process, and learning how to manage it is necessary to become a successful trainer.
The most common reasons for conflict in a training environment are:
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Learners don’t get along with each other or with the trainer,
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Learners don’t agree with what is being taught,
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Learners/trainers don’t agree with each other’s point of view.
No matter the course of conflict, good trainers know how to get ahead of the game and dilute heated situations while acknowledging everyone’s feelings. There are different ways of handling these situations and it’s important that the appropriate conflict management styles are used to ensure that the training program is not jeopardised.
Want to better your conflict resolution skills? Conflict management training using learning management systems like Cloud Assess will get the job done!
11. Adaptability skills
Training calls for adaptability in various situations and as a trainer you never know what to expect. That’s why it’s important for trainers to be able to think on their feet and adapt to whatever might be thrown their way.
Maybe your training tools stopped working during the session, a trainee asks an unexpected question, or you simply forgot something at home – PS. that’s why we said organisational skills are so important. Unforeseen events happen, whether you plan for them or not, but don’t let them derail your training efforts.
When you’re able to adapt to the unexpected, you’ll ensure that your students won’t be negatively affected. Adaptability skills make it possible for trainers to manage even the most unforeseen situations.
12. Leadership skills
Leadership is one of the many essential skills that will make you a standout corporate trainer. Part of being a great trainer and a great leader is knowing how to guide your trainees throughout the learning process. It’s an all-encompassing skill that can be seen as the glue that holds your training programs together.
Great leaders are able to get the most out of their team, and this is exactly what a good trainer should hope to achieve. It’s not just about ‘training’ them but about getting them actively involved in the training process.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. It could mean giving your learners opportunities to ‘teach’ their fellow students, listening to their ideas and helping improve their understanding, or even just stepping back and aiding self-discovery.
Trainers with strong leadership skills can drive meaningful change, foster a culture of continuous learning, and significantly enhance an organisation’s human resource development.
13. Enthusiasm for lifelong learning
Learning never ends, it only changes faces. As an effective trainer, it’s important to have an undying hunger for learning – otherwise, how will you expect your learners to have the same passion for your courses?
It’s not only about keeping up with new courses and skills but being totally open to discovering new ways. This not only benefits yourself as the trainer, by continuously staying abreast of the latest developments, but also your trainees because your training will be more relevant to their current working environment.
Enthusiasm for lifelong learning means you’re not afraid to self-correct and see every opportunity as a teachable moment. This will let others know you’re all about bettering yourself and those that you teach.
Level Up Your Trainer Skills
If you’re looking to improve the skills mentioned above, Cloud Assess offers a variety of training courses through our free trial offering.
