How can you become an innovative trainer?

1 Assess your current skills and gaps

The first step to becoming an innovative trainer is to assess your current skills and gaps in relation to the training objectives, the learner profiles, and the available resources. You can use a self-assessment tool, such as the Innovation Skills Profile 2.0, to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in four dimensions of innovation: creativity, problem-solving, risk-taking, and implementation. You can also ask for feedback from your learners, peers, managers, and mentors to get a more comprehensive and objective view of your performance and potential.

2 Learn from other trainers and sources

The second step to becoming an innovative trainer is to learn from other trainers and sources that inspire and challenge you. You can join online communities, forums, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters that focus on training innovation and best practices. You can also attend webinars, workshops, conferences, and events that showcase new and emerging approaches, methods, and technologies in the training field. You can also seek out mentors, coaches, or role models who can guide you, support you, and share their insights and experiences with you.

4 Evaluate and improve your results

The fourth step to becoming an innovative trainer is to evaluate and improve your results based on the data and evidence you collect. You can use various methods, such as surveys, quizzes, interviews, observations, or analytics, to measure the effectiveness and impact of your training interventions. You can also use the Kirkpatrick Model, the Phillips ROI Methodology, or other frameworks to assess the levels of learning outcomes and return on investment. You can also use the feedback and data you gather to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your training solutions and make adjustments and improvements accordingly.

6 Keep up with the trends and changes

The sixth and final step to becoming an innovative trainer is to keep up with the trends and changes that affect the training industry and the learning environment. You can monitor and analyze the external factors, such as the market, the competition, the technology, the regulations, and the customer needs, that influence the demand and supply of training solutions. You can also anticipate and adapt to the internal factors, such as the organizational culture, the strategy, the structure, and the processes, that shape the learning culture and the training needs. You can also update and upgrade your skills and knowledge regularly and continuously to stay relevant and competitive in the training field.