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In many training sessions, the issue regarding “prisoners” comes up, particularly as it relates to mandatory training. It becomes obvious the learners don’t want to be there, and the ongoing question is how to motivate them.
Mandatory training is a reality in highly regulated industries. But, quite often, it is poorly designed, which leaves very little flexibility for the trainer. Nevertheless, there may be some wiggle room for the trainer to have an impact during the training program. It begins with asking why the participants aren’t motivated to be there. The most common responses are:
- “They’ve been through the course many times and it’s the same old thing.”
- “The content is no longer relevant and has very little to do with what happens on their jobs.”
- “The training is boring.”
When we examine the “why,” it can give us clues on the “how.” The following are five tips to motivate your learners during mandatory training.
Check Your Attitude and Energy
As trainers, it’s important that we check for our own “prisoner attitudes.” At one time or another, you’ve probably either heard, said, or felt, “Ugh, it’s that course again.” “Let me just get through it, because the participants don’t want to be here anyway.” Your learners will pick up on that energy. Instead, it’s important we find the meaning in the course and show up with enthusiasm. Try to begin the course with a humorous quote that is appropriate for the group and, if possible, the content.
Be Transparent
Immediately deal with any potential thoughts and underlying issues regarding mandatory training and acknowledge how the learners might be feeling. It has been said that people just want to know that you understand.
Show the Benefits
As trainers, we all know the power of WIIFM—What’s in it for me. The learners need to know how the training will help them. This is an opportunity to be creative and use a story, personal experience, facts and statistics, or other techniques to emphasize the value of the content.
Leverage Your Learners
Identify opportunities to involve your most experienced learners and allow time for them to share relevant stories and experiences that might prove helpful to the other participants. Perhaps this information could be incorporated into the content the next time it’s taught to keep it current. This is also an opportunity to incorporate peer tutoring.
Incorporate Icebreakers
The use of icebreakers should be a “no-brainer.” However, you may have heard participants say something like, “Oh, I never considered using icebreakers” or “My people won’t like icebreakers.” Not everyone enjoys icebreakers, which is why it’s important to choose them well, try a variety to appeal to different learners, and—most importantly—keep them short. The use of icebreakers, energizers, and brainteasers will help create a healthy and fun learning environment. This will help deter some of the issues around boredom.
Try incorporating these five tips when conducting your next mandatory training. They will add value, relevance, and fun. Give it some time and these tips will prove mandatory for you!
To learn more about creating an environment that motivates learners, have a look at these workshops: How Adults Learn and Instructional Techniques for New Instructors.
