The Top 5 Qualities of a Good Trainer

We’re sure that one time or another, you’ve been fascinated at how a trainer facilitates class and engages learners.

You’ve also most likely observed some of the best qualities of a good trainer and already somewhat have an idea of what attributes make a trainer great at their work.

Most probably, you’ve also thought of becoming a trainer yourself at a certain point in your career.

Nevertheless, if you want to find out what really makes a trainer successful, or if you’re looking into switching careers and make training a career option, then this post is definitely for you!

The biggest advantage of taking up a career in training and development is that the skills needed to be a trainer are standard across all industries.

The skills required for a trainer in sales are the same in retail, manufacturing, IT, etc.

And with that said, here is a list of training skills and qualities that make a trainer exemplary:

1. Trainers are Strategic Thinkers and Partners

A trainer is a strategic thinker. A strategic thinker possesses a strong business mind and has a good grasp of how the training process directly affects the business.

Strategic thinking is not only restricted to being a part of training manager skills but is also one of the attributes of a good trainer as well.

There is a strong need for a trainer to develop networking skills. Do take note that a trainer doesn’t only work with learners. A trainer also has to “cross borders” by strategically partnering with colleagues from Operations, HR, and Marketing – just to name a few.

2. Trainers are Project Managers

Once the instructional design has been accomplished, the time has come to implement the learning program!

Doing so requires a bit of project management, because the trainer, most of the time, not only has to teach the course but also has to plan the program’s implementation and organize the required resources.

Being able to manage projects is also one of the outstanding qualities of a good trainer.

3. Trainers are Facilitators of Change and Learning

With today’s adaptive global workforce and dynamic business environment, changes are constant. Processes and knowledge that were the standards a few days ago can become obsolete in the blink of an eye. 

What is considered as the guiding principles and industry standards today, might be different tomorrow.

A trainer is always expected to be at the forefront of change. New processes and recent knowledge would always demand some type of learning intervention.

4. Trainers are Evaluators

This is probably one of the most overlooked qualities of a good trainer. The skills required for trainers regarding evaluations include, but are not limited to: conducting surveys, creating effective tests, and assessing learners through observable behavioral changes.

Creating evaluations and analyzing data play big parts in the roles and responsibilities of a trainer. These two not only help the trainer determine learning needs but can also help establish the success (or failure) of a training program.

How to be a good training manager?

What separates the good from the great?

If you’re looking to start a career in the training and development field as a trainer or if you’re a trainer looking to jumpstart your career, we hope this list was of help.

These five qualities will separate the good from the great – the mediocre from the exemplary. So, as a trainer, always be sure to put them to heart and to practice.

If you really want to be creme dela creme, a training for trainers course is what will separate you from all the rest and jumpstart your career.