5 Leadership Traits of Outstanding Trainers.

I’m not going to talk about preparation or logistics today, I’ll leave that for another time. Instead, these are the 5 key things I’ve learnt from leading on a global contract;

1.      Embrace the challenge: I was sent to the corporate head office to train delegates up to CEO level on communication, negotiation and customer service-based skills. These VP’s are smart, quick-thinking and focused on credible outcomes. My challenge was to take a basic communication skills training and elevate it to the highest level without alienating the less senior delegates in the room.

• The first thing I did was to establish the baseline – I read the room. Like a piece of elastic, I extend and retract the conversation, dipping in deep one moment then re-calibrating with some surface material the next. This way, no-one feels overwhelmed and everyone is challenged. I found that I could match and stretch the skills in the room by allowing discussions to develop then loop them back to tie in with the content. Facilitating workshops like this is exciting, because it forces you to significantly up your game.
• The second thing I did was to remember what they said. I get feedback all the time about how ‘personalised’ the session was. That’s because I remember delegate examples, challenges, objectives and comments, then weave them back into the material as I progress.

2.      Start with a blank slate: I know what I know, but I also know nothing. As a student of verbal and non-verbal communication skills spanning 35 years, I am constantly surprised by the insights that emerge in the training room. A blank slate means being totally receptive, putting aside any assumptions, choosing growth and embracing the spontaneous.

• I had a new class full of delegates in Munich… one of whom rarely spoke up in training's. Because I didn’t know this beforehand, I inadvertently challenged his perception of himself by envisioning him as a key contributor. Over the course of a week he transformed into the most vocal and fascinating member of the group, lending insights that took my breath away. Start with a blank slate and assume that you know nothing is the only way to develop your repertoire. It’s gutsy, because it takes you into Johari Window’s ‘unknown area’, and so much more fun!

3.      Give: I love delivering training because it empowers people with greater confidence and self-awareness. You go out and arm delegates with the right tools, mindset shifts and material to make tangible improvements. When you give, you make it about them, not you. This is a crucial distinction when it comes to engagement and embedding learning. And it’s the best way I know to eliminate presenter nerves.

4.      Fill the room: whether you call it presence, charisma, positive energy – it doesn’t matter. I intentionally flick a switch and the light comes on. I see this process as;

• my commitment to myself and my delegates as a professional. If you uplift yourself and your delegates, everyone benefits, and insights occur.
• the only way to make my message memorable. Maya Angelou’s quote illustrates this perfectly; “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

5.      Impact. Define yourself by your last training, not a label. If you know me, you’ll have seen me as an introvert. But when I have something important to say or march in to deliver training, I’m 100% extrovert and own the room! I’m sensitive (there’s a whole movement around HSPs and Susan Cain’s Quiet), yet there are times when I’m definitely not. In our desire to understand ourselves and others better, it’s easy to ‘label’ people. Knowing ourselves better is a fascinating endeavour. I highly recommend the brilliant free test based on Myers-Briggs.

• We are fluid, should be agile enough to respond to what’s in front of us and consciously choose the way we do that. So rather than questioning whether you were too quiet or too loud, ask instead about the impact you made. Because in the end, that’s what counts.

Finally, reflect. Think about what you did well, could have done differently/better and what changes or tweaks you’ll make going forwards. This is a vital practice for all #leaders, no matter what role you’re in, as it contributes to your on-going growth and development.

Alison Roberts is an ex-entrepreneur with 35 years’ experience as a Global L&D Leadership Consultant, Sales Director/Trainer, Account Manager, Executive & Business Mentor and Public Speaker. She is passionate about Women in Leadership and specialises in developing and empowering future leaders and high-potentials. She is at her best when solving complex problems, driving growth and challenging the status quo. LinkedIn, Facebook and the Web to connect with me!

#WomenLead #L&D #LeadershipDevelopment #publicspeaking #trainerinsights #selfdevelopment #womeninleadership #professionaldevelopment #leadershiptraits