The adaptable trainer

Some people have ‘the gift’ – a seemingly effortless ability to inspire and educate others. They’ve got that special quality, a charisma that energises and influences those around them. They know how to work a room, share their thoughts, and connect people and ideas. Ever-adaptable, they find the angle that resonates with their audience. They speak, conduct, and lead us safely into the unknown. If only all trainers were like this...

Maybe you’re a subject expert or a consistent high-performer. You know your stuff. You’ve done the reading, applied yourself, and achieved results. People turn to you for advice. You are, after all, their hero. Flattered by their praise, you take a deep breath, puff out your chest, and tell others what they need to know. Blessed by your magnificence, they’ll soon be as brilliant as you.

But it was never about you. It was only ever about them.

“Leaders lead. Managers manage.” As a trainer, your role is to lead and encourage others. You’re not there to control, manipulate or patronise. You’re there to inspire. And because each and every one of your students is different, you’re obliged to go at their pace and do what’s required to feather their wings.

Be present, and be real.

Today, purchasers have more choice. They’re less tolerant of ‘Any colour you like so long as it’s black’. If they don't like your product, there's a good chance they might find it (or a better version) elsewhere. And that's threatening for those lazy or dogmatic trainers that fail to adapt their offer.

So why do we still see so many ‘off the shelf’ training packages?

Those well-worn slide decks, generic case studies, trainers on autopilot, eLearning modules that don’t adapt to the learner: they’re the equivalent of media houses publishing the same newspaper every day. We expect news. We expect facts. We expect saucy celebrity gossip. And yes, we expect a crossword that’s possible to complete. But mostly, we want to be empowered – by knowing the things that might influence or benefit us. We want to know what’s going on today. Yesterday's news is yesterday's news.

“Shout louder, and they’ll understand!” It's a message typically reserved for the audience. But I'd rather you aim it at the unadaptable trainer.

Beware the training organisation that insists upon following their structure. Run from the ones with a set way of doing things. Reward those that adapt to your needs. Be in control. Demand better.

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You can read all my blogs at my author website: fennelspriory.com