Training Triumphs #13/31: Providing Constructive Feedback without Discouraging Participants

Hello Trainers and Coaches,

Greetings!

Welcome to Training Triumphs, your trusted resource for unlocking exceptional training experiences. As your partner to your success in your training and coaching journey, my mission is to help you unlock your full potential and positively impact the lives of your participants.

?The Feedback Conundrum: A Trainer’s Dilemma

As an aspiring or seasoned trainer or coach, you understand the importance of feedback in facilitating your participants’ growth. However, you may often struggle to provide feedback that inspires improvement without discouraging or demotivating your participants. You are not alone. Research indicates that:

- Sixty-seven percent of trainers face challenges in delivering effective feedback.

- Forty-five percent of participants report feeling defensive or disengaged when receiving feedback.

The consequences of ineffective feedback can be far-reaching, impacting not only participant progress but also your credibility and confidence as a trainer.

The Pain of Ineffective Feedback

Consider the following scenarios:

- Participants become defensive, dismissive, or disengaged, hindering their growth and potential.

- Training goals remain unmet due to lack of progress, reflecting poorly on your training effectiveness.

- Your credibility and confidence as a trainer suffer, affecting future training opportunities.

- Word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business are jeopardized, impacting your professional reputation.

The Consequences of Inaction

Ignoring this issue can lead to:

- Stagnant participant growth, hindering their professional development.

- Decreased training return on investment, affecting organizational investment in training programs.

- Damage to your professional reputation, impacting future business opportunities.

- Missed opportunities for participant transformation, limiting the impact of your training.

Breaking Through the Feedback Barrier

In this newsletter, I have shared expert strategies to deliver constructive feedback that motivates participants to improve:

1. The Sandwich Method: Balancing Critique with Positivity

- Start with positive feedback to establish a supportive tone.

- Provide specific, actionable suggestions for improvement.

- End with encouraging feedback to reinforce confidence.

2. SMART Feedback

- Specific: Clearly define areas for improvement.

- Measurable: Quantify progress and goals.

- Achievable: Ensure realistic expectations.

- Relevant: Align feedback with training objectives.

- Time-bound: Establish deadlines for improvement.

3. Active Listening and Emotional Intelligence

- Engage fully with participants to understand their perspective.

- Show empathy and understanding.

- Adapt feedback to individual learning styles and needs.

4. Cultural Sensitivity and Individualized Approaches

- Consider cultural nuances and individual differences.

- Tailor feedback to accommodate diverse learning needs.

A Success Story: Empowering an Auditory Learner

I would like to share a personal experience from my Train the Trainer programs. One delegate, a predominantly auditory learner, struggled with using digital tools (well she was not somebody comfortable using computers at all) and was worried about passing the final assessment. During our one-on-one conversation post the training program, I suggested recording answers to the model questions and listening to them repeatedly. I also asked her to write and practice so that she can improve her writing speeds. This tailored approach helped her secure sixty-eight percent marks in the exams.

She graciously called to express her gratitude, attributing her success to this feedback. Her hard work and determination, combined with the Divine grace, and right guidance, led to her certification. For me, this experience reinforces the power of constructive feedback in unlocking participant potential.

What challenges are you facing in giving constructive feedback to your participants? What are you waiting for?

Just click on the link and join over 4600 trainers and coaches who receive actionable insights, expert advice, and valuable resources to elevate their training practice. Do not let feedback fears hold you back.

Stay Connected. See you in another newsletter soon with more such simple yet effective insights.

Share your views!

Kind regards,

Dr Shanker Viswanath

Your Partner in your Success as a Trainer / Coach

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +91-9892099900

Website: https://capri3.com

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