How to Train People Effectively

While training a team of people or individuals one-to-one, different types of approaches may be used. Generally speaking, the most effective way proven by many research studies is positive support rather than negative approach or inefficient criticism.

1. EXPLAIN
If you are training a new employee, you may need to explain new procedures or materials to them slowly and in the simplest way possible. When you finish explaining, summarise everything what was said and again recap all important steps or points. Ask your trainee(s) for feedback about a particular issue and give them space for questions or clarifying, if needed. It is also helpful to ask them to repeat what was said and subsequently give them opportunity to apply learned skills in real life.

2. POSITIVE FEEDBACK AFTER APPLYING SKILLS

Give positive feedback after the skills were applied. Be very specific about things which were done correctly and those which were done almost correctly too. Do not forget to encourage them to keep up the good work. That makes them motivated to learn more and not to be afraid of being wrong or make mistakes.

3. DON’T SPEND TOO MUCH TIME FOCUSING ON MISTAKES

Once a mistake was made, instead of focusing on it rather go back to explaining the correct way and pay attention to your trainee’s strengths. Do not waste your time and energy on emphasising mistakes, it will make a person less motivated.

4. MAKE EXPLAINING INTERESTING

If you know there will be big amount of information presented, make sure the process of giving information is interesting and interactive. You can do this by power point presentations, videos, interactive training materials such as workbooks, list examples or stories that are connected to particular topic. People often remember stories and then recall actual information from them. Role playing is also great way how to make training interactive and interesting.