COACHING SKILLS FOR TRAINERS

For many years, my paradigm of a trainer is someone who is a subject matter expert and needs to direct the participants to the knowledge and skills that he / she brings to the table.

During my school and college days, I was involved in debates and forums. Then, I was spewing forth 'truths' and 'absolutes' in order to win arguments. After graduating in Civil Engineering, I worked and specialised in ground improvement. As a subject matter expert, I was frequently invited to 'tell' and 'teach' consulting engineers and contractors on the best technique for improving the soil. When I first ventured into training, I started with children training (thank goodness!). I thought that I needed to 'instruct' and 'direct' the children about the 'principles of success and life'. I began to realise that being directive and communicating as an expert does not work well in many situations. With children, they let you know that immediately and rather bluntly!