You're The Boss:
Assuming Leadership of Your Training
Recently, I took a day-long workshop conducted by an out-of-town trainer. At the end of
each learning segment, he would check in with the group. "Any questions? Unfinished
business? Anything else before we go on?" His eyes would circle the room slowly. After
a long, yawning pause, he'd say, "All right, I guess it's time to move on." His cadence
flowed like a slow-moving river in the heat of a summer afternoon, and within an hour
the energy of the group drooped like Spanish moss.
After 20 years of giving trainings, I'm convinced participants want the trainer to be the
"boss." I don't mean they want a dictator or a drill sergeant running the show, but they
do want someone clearly at the helm, taking control. When the trainer doesn't need
constant validation from the group, but rather makes decisions appropriate to
leadership, the participants can relax and do what they came to do: learn.
Just as a boss in the workplace cannot leave every decision to consensus, trainers pay
a price if they give up too much control. Group energy is lost; momentum falters. Even
process-oriented workshops, where a high degree of participation is expected and
desired from audience members, need a boss.
Whether you're leading an information-driven training, an experiential workshop, or a
staff meeting, you'll lose time, productivity and group morale if you refuse to take
control. The following steps will help you assume leadership--especially during the
crucial first ten minutes, when you're being sized up.
Dress appropriately
The first thing participants notice is how you are dressed, and they make decisions
about your authority and expertise based on this. If participants want to dress casually,
that's their choice. But to earn respect, the trainer needs to be at least better dressed
than anyone in the room. Even if the whole group is sporting faded sweatshirts and
patchy jeans, the trainer needs to dress, if not professionally, at least in a tailored, neat
style.
Arrive early
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the training is scheduled to begin. Arriving early is
important both for psychological and practical reasons. Psychologically, you'll feel more
relaxed. Practically, you'll have enough time to make sure all details are under control
before participants arrive. Name badges, refreshments, setting up of visual aids,
distribution of hand-out materials, lighting, ventilation, and other tasks should be
handled early.
Recently I attended a presentation where the speaker fumbled with the slide projector
as he made his opening remarks. The first minute went like this: "Good morning,
everyone. Great to have you all here. Just a second while I get this to work. While we're
waiting, I want to thank our chair, Dave. You and the committee are really doing a great
job. Gee, this new technology sure has glitches, but we couldn't live without it, could
we? Hang on a minute. Let's see... OK! Ready, everyone?"
Sadly, we were long past ready. By arriving early enough to handle the logistics, you
spare the audience (and yourself) embarrassing scenarios like this one.
Decide on layout
Arrange the chairs and tables in whatever way will maximize learning. Unless you're
addressing a large audience, usually this will mean an open layout such as a U shape.
I'm only half-joking when I tell clients that training is 50% interior design.
Welcome participants as they arrive
Greet people, introduce yourself, invite them to take a seat, and be available for
conversation. See yourself as the host. This is your party and your role is to be
hospitable. The energy you put into being friendly will help people feel welcome, and
that in turn will positively affect their openness to your ideas.
Remove empty chairs
At the first break, remove empty chairs. These create a black hole and can cause a loss
in group energy.
Memorize your first sentences
A few minutes before the training starts, go to the rest room and practice your first two
or three lines to reduce first-sentence anxiety.
Start on time
Don't reward latecomers or allow their timing to control the training. When you respect
time, you convey the message, "I take your desire to learn seriously, and I will do
everything I can to support it." When latecomers arrive, welcome them, briefly direct
them to the page you're on if you're using a hand-out, but don't waste time repeating
what you have already said.
Demonstrate your leadership role non-verbally
When you begin, stand squarely in front of the group, plant your feet, and project your
voice. Show eagerness and enthusiasm through your body language and voice.
Affirm
As you begin, remind yourself, "I'm glad I'm here. I'm glad you're here. I know what I
know." This simple but powerful affirmation will help assuage any lurking doubts. Then,
let the show begin.
Beginnings are important. If you follow these steps, the high-energy tone you establish
at the start will permeate the training and positively affect the learning of every
participant in the room.