Trainers don’t matter (and other surprising facts about training)

Misconception #1: The trainer/facilitator is the most important factor for successful training

Maybe not. It turns out that the most critical actor for success is the learner’s manager. Why? Because the manager provides:

• motivation (by positioning the training as an important component of the overall job performance)
• protected learning time (by making sure that the learner can attend without having to worry about their regular duties)
• mentoring (to help the learner apply the training on the job)

Misconception #2: All the learning occurs during the training event itself

Again, no. Of course the training event provides the knowledge and skills you would like to develop–but what matters most is integrating the learning into the job, something that occurs mostly after the training event itself. The event is the spark, and the practice only starts there.

Misconception #3: A great presenter makes or breaks the success of the training

No, again. Of course you do want an entertaining, knowledgable, and lively facilitator! But most of the impact of the trainer comes from a solid preparation: tailoring the event to the learners, making sure that the training addresses the learner’s concern, and briefing the managers so they, in turn, can position the event appropriately.

So what should you do?

• View learning as a process, not an event. Booking a great trainer is a wonderful idea, but taking the time to prepare the event and consider how best to organize the mentoring afterwards matters more.
• Have learners and managers integrate the learning into their mentoring efforts.
• Choose a facilitator who will take the time to listen to the managers ahead of time to tailor the training and plan for the post-training mentoring.

We at FT Works proud ourselves on having the best facilitators in the business, and we take preparation very seriously. We also offer refreshers to ensure that the training has long-term effects. Contact us for more details.