In the previous two articles, we discussed five supporting traits of an outstanding trainer. In this article, we continue with additional supporting traits, including:
6– Respect and Appreciation:
It is in the nature of trainees to appreciate a trainer who respects them and values their efforts by giving everyone the opportunity to engage in dialogue, discussion, and ask questions.
For instance, during a training session in the oil sector, a discussion broke out, and the trainees raised their hands—each wanting to share their opinion. I allowed one of the trainees to speak, but another objected, saying, "I raised my hand before him, yet you chose him first. This is neither fair nor just!" He then stood up, shouting, "I won’t continue with this course!" I said to him, "I apologize; I didn’t see your hand. Please, let’s shake hands." However, he continued shouting and chose to leave.
Therefore, an outstanding trainer is one who can handle such awkward situations during their sessions, strives to respect the trainees, and avoids escalating the situation. Additionally, they are often the last to leave the training room, out of respect for trainees who might feel shy about discussing issues in front of their peers during the session. This allows those individuals the chance to engage in one-on-one discussions after the session ends.
Here’s an example: During a leadership course for the Women’s Da’wah Center at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf, one of the trainees stopped me for half an hour after the session to ask about how to apply the course principles in raising her children. Out of respect and in response to her request, I was the last to leave the room.
An Outstanding Trainer is One Who Handles Awkward Situations and Strives to Respect Trainees
In addition to the above, it can be said that a trainer should appreciate trainees’ efforts and respect them by offering them tokens of recognition, such as:
– A printed or digital copy of one of the trainer’s authored books.
– A digital book authored by renowned trainers worldwide.
– Certificates of appreciation at the end of the course.
– Colorful posters featuring well-known quotes.
Here’s an example: During a human resources course by Dr. Ahmed from the American University in Cairo, he handed out pieces of chocolate to trainees—including myself—as a gesture of appreciation for those who actively participated in the course. It was a kind and thoughtful move!
As such, an outstanding trainer continues to appreciate trainees during and after the course, keeping them informed about the latest developments in the course’s topic.
7– Flexibility and Gentleness:
Trainees also appreciate a trainer who is flexible and gentle. But how can a trainer strike a balance between discipline and flexibility? The answer can be summarized as follows: An outstanding trainer should neither be too rigid to break nor too lenient to be taken advantage of. They must realize that trainees attend for various reasons: some to learn and benefit, others to take a break from work, some to escape commitments, others to socialize with peers, and some just to sign the attendance sheet and leave.
Thus, the trainer must consider these different circumstances and be understanding of those who arrive late, leave early, request temporary absences for personal matters, engage in side conversations, or bring food, coffee, or tea into the training room. At the same time, they must manage all of this without compromising the quality of training or the delivery of information.
...And Should Not Be Harsh to the Point of Breaking, Nor Gentle to the Point of Being Exploited, and Realizes That Trainees Come for Different Purposes
This is where the wisdom of an outstanding trainer comes into play, offering guidance diplomatically to manage the room and trainees—being firm in some matters and lenient in others. For example, allowing food and drink at times and prohibiting it at others, permitting side conversations occasionally and stopping them when needed, and regulating trainees’ entry and exit based on their social and medical circumstances.
Here are some examples:
– During a National Guard course, one trainee had to leave to accompany his mother to a medical appointment, and I granted him permission. Another had to leave due to his son’s fever at school, and I also allowed him. A third trainee needed to meet a contractor building his house; I initially advised against it but eventually gave permission on the condition that he returned promptly after finishing.
– In another National Guard course, a trainee suggested ending the course an hour early on the last day. I put the suggestion to a vote, and everyone agreed, provided we canceled the scheduled break.
– In an oil sector course, one trainee suggested postponing a session to a later date as some trainees were traveling for Hajj. The suggestion was adopted.
– In another oil sector course held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, we received news of Prince Andrew from the British Royal Family visiting the dhow exhibition in the hotel. We rescheduled the break to coincide with his visit, allowing trainees to meet him—a rare opportunity for some.
From these examples, it’s clear that an outstanding trainer balances strictness and leniency in their sessions—being firm and disciplined at times and flexible at others.
...And Should Be Masterful in Their Subject and Well-Prepared, with a Quality Not Less Than 80%
We recall this story to emphasize this point: In one of the courses for the Kuwaiti Credit Bank, the session was nearing its end. When the presentation of the course material finished, I provided a summary of the covered content. I then pressed the 'End' button on the keyboard, and the final slide appeared without displaying the remaining slides, all without the trainees noticing. I concluded the session smoothly and effortlessly, without the pressure of time rushing me. This is what is meant by flexibility!
8– Mastery and Quality:
Trainees also value a trainer who is well-versed in their subject matter and prepares exceptionally. Here, we’re not talking about flawless performance at 100% accuracy, but rather excellence with a quality level of no less than 80%. A well-prepared and delivered session that achieves a quality between 80–95% is the goal of every outstanding trainer. Excellence and quality should be evident in the following ten aspects:
1. A well-designed and professionally delivered presentation.
2. Clear and neat handwriting on flipcharts or whiteboards.
3. High-quality and relevant videos supporting the session material.
4. Clear voice projection during explanations.
5. Properly functioning sound systems.
6. Effective control of lighting during presentations.
7. Adjusting curtains in the training room as needed.
8. Maintaining a comfortable room temperature.
9. Keeping the room clean and free from distracting posters.
10. Providing tissues and water bottles on the tables.
Training is an art, a blend of etiquette, respect, and encouragement!
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