Teaching the I.T. Specialist to Train

You've found the perfect IT person for your needs. Now you would like that person to train your employees. Below are some recommendations on how to train your IT person to teach.

The expert in information technology may be brilliant in handling the most complicated computer or telecommunications issues, but may have no idea how to teach this information to another person. There are common techniques that you can use in training your trainer. Help your trainer find some ice breakers to begin their teaching process. Encourage them to have a sense of humor. As they introduce what they are going to be teaching it may help to identify how the information will be useful to the employee, in real life as well as work. It is important that the trainer understand that people learn differently; they may have to adapt their training skills from person to person. The visual learner likes demonstrations and recognizes words from site. The Auditory person learns best from hearing information. The kinesthetic person learns from hands-on training. Have the trainer ask the employee how they learn things easiest. The trainer should have all of their teaching materials with them before the training begins. We all learn from our mistakes. Advise the trainer that it's ok for the employee to make a mistake while they are learning; it is best not to interrupt the employee unless they are getting on the wrong track. Stress the importance of eye contact. Your trainer should be confident and enthusiastic about their subject.

Finally, have your employees give feedback on the trainer. After all, you want to get the most for your money.