Being a Trainer

Two days ago, my business partner and I finished facilitating a two-day training course in Nakuru. After the session as a vote of thanks one of the attendants said that this was one of the best training sessions he had attended and that he would make a point of being part of any training we would arrange from then on. To which the room of delegates murmured in approval. Another said that during the two days, they were so engaged and involved in the process that there was no moment of distraction despite the warm weather. They said they felt empowered and able to apply what they learnt. That there was a clear difference between when they came in for the class, and two days later.

I will say I felt surreal when these words were being said. Because these are words that most trainers want to hear, but never get an opportunity to. I believe the secret sauce lies in communication.

Most times, we have so much to say and want to share, but in reality, the people we are talking to, have what you are saying as a portion of the many things that their minds are considering, including what they will eat later, their love lives, their finances etc… So the first thing one needs to really understand is aim to empower, not disseminate. I have attended courses where the amount of information being given is simply too much. And the trainer is too busy, sloshing away at what they need to finish delivering at the end of the day. They never take a moment to rise up and understand the context in which people are relating back to them at. I believe like water drawn from a well and pouring through holes, is what trainers do with too much information. It is better to have a small bowl that doesn’t pour, and nourishes, than a drum that is soon empty with leaking holes.

I also believe that trainers should give their trainees opportunities to own that information. And give it their own twist of understanding, as long as the trainer guides them to what is factual. When a trainer says, this is a chair, the trainee should have the leeway to say that she sees wood with nails hammered to form a seating device.

I also realized that I am passionate about empowering people, I love to see people light up and see things differently. When a person says “I now feel like what was a challenge is actually an opportunity for me to improve,” I feel like my purpose in life is being validated.