We continue in this article discussing the traits of an outstanding trainer, having already outlined two of these traits in the previous article: guidance and development, as well as persuasion and influence.
3. Dedication and Persistence:
Dedication and persistence should reach their highest levels in an outstanding trainer. They should set themselves multiple goals—around three or four—for each training course, fully committing to achieving them with determination.
Among the tasks an outstanding trainer ensures to accomplish before the course are studying the trainees beforehand, understanding effective communication methods with them, examining the training venue, ensuring it provides comfort, creating a motivating environment for the trainees, preparing symbolic gifts, and crafting outstanding training materials to send to the participants ahead of the course.
The Outstanding Trainer Inquires About Trainees' Nature, Age, and Cultural Level Before Meeting Them
To illustrate this point, here is a story: While I was in my office at Kuwait University during office hours, a student knocked on the door, asked for permission to enter, and this dialogue unfolded:
Student: Won’t you Congratulate, Dr. Musa! I have graduated from the College of Engineering and am now looking for a job.
Me: Congratulations on your graduation! Where would you like to work?
Student: That’s a great question. On this occasion, I would like you to visit us in the Jahra area to give a lecture to a group of my friends.
Me: I’d be delighted. When would suit you?
A date was set for the lecture. I prepared a set of slides on job opportunities for engineers in Kuwait to present during the meeting and headed to the agreed location at the appointed time.
The graduate engineer welcomed me, and I informed him that the lecture was ready. When I asked about the presentation area, he directed me to a tent equipped with a projector, screen, flip chart, papers, and pens.
What a surprise awaited me next! Upon entering the tent, I found elderly retirees, most over 70 years old, draped in winter cloaks (bisht), warming their hands over a coal brazier!
Me: Where are your friends, the engineering graduates? I prepared a presentation on job opportunities for engineers in Kuwait!
Student: I said they are a group of my friends. I wanted you to share my graduation joy with them. You didn’t ask about their ages or the topic to be discussed, and I admired how you agreed immediately without hesitation!
I was taken aback. After greeting the attendees, I set my laptop aside and engaged them in a discussion about the country’s current issues—topics unrelated to engineering job opportunities.
Thus, an outstanding trainer must inquire about the trainees' nature, age, and cultural level before meeting them.
During the course, the trainer should ensure tasks like getting to know each trainee individually, adding moments of fun and enjoyment, providing breaks with refreshments, and remaining present in the training room until the end for discussions and dialogue.
After the course, the trainer should praise outstanding trainees, promise them recognition awards, remind them of the key principles covered in the course, provide additional materials to enhance their knowledge, and inform them of the latest developments in the course's subject matter.
In essence, an outstanding trainer establishes a strong bond with trainees through consistent engagement before, during, and after the training session.
4. Commitment and Discipline:
Commitment and discipline should be at their peak in an outstanding trainer, serving as a role model for trainees by adhering to schedules, fulfilling requirements, covering the material, and recognizing outstanding participants with certificates and rewards.
The Outstanding Trainer as a Role Model in Commitment and Discipline
The trainer should be the first to arrive at the training venue—well before the trainees. Some participants arrive an hour early, so the trainer should also be present an hour before the session starts for several reasons, including:
- Ensuring the training venue is ready with all equipment like projectors, screens, flip charts, whiteboards, markers, appropriate lighting, arranged seating, electrical sockets, power cords, and internet access.
- Confirming the availability of refreshments, snacks, and trash bins.
- Checking the functionality of computers, laser pointers, mouse devices, and audiovisual equipment.
- Distributing training materials and supplementary resources on desks.
- Welcoming early-bird trainees, getting to know them, and agreeing on matters that enhance the training experience.
By embodying commitment and discipline, the trainer can leave a lasting impact. Even if trainees gain nothing else from the course, instilling these values in their personal and professional lives would suffice.
A Real-Life Example
In a training session held on December 3, 2023, for Kuwait National Guard personnel on the secrets of effective leadership, organized by the Continuing Education and Community Service Department at Kuwait University, I allocated the last half-hour for trainees to answer one question: “Name one benefit you gained from the course that you wish to apply in your professional life.”
I expected them to mention principles of effective leadership discussed during the course. Instead, they expressed admiration for the course’s management style.
They expressed their admiration for my approach of not imposing my opinions on them, allowing space for dialogue and discussion, ensuring they did not feel bored during the course, maintaining energy, enthusiasm, and vitality throughout the sessions, avoiding theoretical overloading or excessive lecturing, focusing instead on exercises, competitions, and role-playing, respecting their time by not wasting it during the course, and adhering strictly to the schedule from start to finish on all days of the training.
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