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Imagine you’re on a flight, and the captain comes over the intercom:
“Hello, everyone, and welcome aboard. I’m your captain today. Well, actually, it’s my first time in the cockpit—I just graduated! Don’t worry, though. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and read the manual cover to cover. We should be fine!”
Imagine the sinking feeling in your stomach. Now, think about this scenario in the context of your new instructors. Are they fully prepared, confident, and ready to deliver? Or are they just “reading from the manual?”
For training managers, it’s crucial to give new instructors more than just a handbook. They need practical support, mentorship, and real-world training scenarios that help them walk into their classrooms as confident leaders. Because when we don’t, it’s not just their credibility on the line. It’s the learning journey of everyone they teach. Are you ready to ensure your instructors can truly take off?
Here are a few key steps to prepare your new instructors for success:
Provide Necessary Tools and Resources
Provide new instructors with a comprehensive training manual that includes course outlines, detailed lesson plans, and expected outcomes. Setting clear expectations from the start helps prevent confusion and builds a strong foundation for success.
Time is also a crucial resource for new instructors. Ensuring they have adequate preparation time significantly impacts their confidence and effectiveness in the classroom.
Offer Hands-On Practice
The best way for new instructors to learn is by doing. Organize mock training sessions where they can practice delivering content and receive feedback. If possible, pair them with a mentor or an experienced instructor who can guide them through the process, offering tips and sharing best practices.
Promote Continuous Learning
Instructors should never stop improving their skills. Encourage ongoing professional development through workshops, webinars, or coaching sessions. Providing them with opportunities to learn about new teaching strategies, tools, and industry trends ensures they stay engaged and effective.
Create a Supportive Environment
The first few training sessions can be daunting for new instructors, so it’s important to create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable seeking help or feedback. Regular check-ins, constructive feedback, and open communication are key to building their confidence and fostering growth.
Emphasize Engagement and Adaptability
Corporate training is not a one-size-fits-all model. Encourage new instructors to remain flexible and adapt their teaching methods to suit different learning styles and organizational needs. Show them how to use interactive activities, discussions, and real-life scenarios to make content more relevant and engaging.
New instructors may enter the classroom with theoretical knowledge, but are they genuinely ready to take the lead? Just like a new pilot needs hands-on practice and mentorship, your instructors require practical support, real-world scenarios, and the confidence to “fly solo,” ensuring a smooth takeoff for every training session they deliver.
Additional Resource: 3 Key Steps to Prepare New Instructors for Success [Video]
As a training manager, you’ll need to know how to record, track, and assess instructor performance, manage and develop top-notch designers, set the strategic direction of training, and so much more. Check out our workshop, The Successful Training Manager, and get started on the right track.
