Training The Trainer: Three Common Mistakes

No matter what subject you train people in, inevitably demand will sometimes outstrip the supply of what you're able to give. If you have too many trainees and not enough time or resources to cater to their needs, then the time will come to train a trainer to help you do your job, or deputise for you in your absence.

Someone new to the training role will need extra support, encouragement and motivation from you as the main trainer. Here are some common mistakes that people make when training trainers in the business world.

1. Making presumptions or missing the obvious

When you've been doing the same role for a long time, you tend to go on "autopilot" and take some actions that come naturally without even thinking of them. However, for a new person may not be immediately obvious.

For example, if you were training people how to teach others Microsoft Word, you take it for granted that in your business, documents are edited in "Print Layout". Every time you open the software to train people, your settings will be pre-loaded from previous sessions so you may forget to mention it to a new employee, since it's so ingrained in your routine.

Remember never to miss out the obvious steps that you take for granted. It's better not to risk improperly training someone rather than risk patronising them.

2. Passing on your bad habits and routines

Many people get into a rhythm during their training sessions or throughout the working day as a whole. What may work perfectly for you - a long lunch break followed by working a bit later, for example - may not work or suit another person. Ensure you are training them in a way that can be applied to their priorities and lifestyle.

Another thing to consider is if you have got complacent or sloppy in any part of your job because it's so familiar to you (we all do it at some point or other!). If you set up your PowerPoint Presentation in advance and leave cables trailing all over the floor to create a trip hazard, don't pass this attitude or the notion that it's "ok" in the work culture to your new trainer- bad habits are hard to undo!

3. Taking over or a lack of trust

Some parts of our job are our "baby" and we feel protective if we have to share them with another person who seems to encroach upon our workload.

Some trainers, when they have finished the induction with their new employee in their role, either leave themselves in the position of authority by missing out pieces of training so they constantly have to be consulted. Or they just can't bring themselves to the trusting state of mind at first - along the lines of "they'll never do it in exactly the way I like". It may not be your preference, but if they get the job done, you should safely leave them to it.

Remember that when someone is new to the job they won't always get things at a lightning fast speed or get it 100% correct first time - that's what training is all about. If you train your trainer well, they will become testament to your skills rather than against them. Good trainers mean skilled trainees, and that's something every business needs.