Walk the Talk

In the field of training, establishing credibility is essential for trainers.?

For trainers with hard skills, which are technical or psychomotor in nature, establishing credibility with training participants is usually not a problem. This is because they demonstrate competence and mastery in the skills they teach, aligning their actions with their words.?

Trainers of soft skills however, face a different challenge. These interpersonal skills are often intangible and can only be observed in real-life situations, not through role playing. Take leadership trainers for example; in the classroom, we listen to what they say, and if it sounds reasonable, we may accept it. However, during breaks, if we witness the trainer interacting with their assistant in a loud or disrespectful manner, their credibility is inevitability tarnished.

Furthermore, we live in the age of easily accessible information. If a trainer shares something they are uncertain about or don’t practice themselves, it’s effortless to expose the discrepancy between their words and actions. When this happens, don't blame others for saying, “Being a trainer is easy because they only sell words.” While it may not apply to all trainers, the misdeeds of one can tarnish the reputation of the entire profession.?

With the significance of credibility in mind, it is crucial to exercise caution and be mindful of your actions. By doing so, you can preserve and enhance your credibility, ultimately contributing to your effectiveness and success in the training profession.?