HANDLI NG TRI CKY TRAI NI NG SI TUATI ONS

Start the training properly

CEGOS 2007 Page 1 of 2

Her e i s s ome advi ce t o s t ar t t he t r ai ni ng pr oper l y:
Read the following sentences carefully.
Start the session with confidence in how it will run
Develop a positive attitude, it will help the session run well. Its the virtuous circle of inductive
prediction (that is, I induce what I predict, wishing makes it happen).
Conversely, if you let yourself succumb to negative thoughts, you run the risk of filtering multiple
signals which you read as confirming your prejudices and so make them real. Its the vicious circle of
inductive prediction.
Prepare the physical aspects before you need them
Be available from the start.
Pay particular attention to the first hour of the training
How you start often sets the tone for the rest of the course. A good start means a positive launch to
the session.
Welcome the participants.
Give them the practical information (timetables, meals...).
Put in place helpful operational rules
Set them up together with the group, and get each person's agreement
Benevolence
Involvement
Availability
Confidentiality
Responsiveness
Handling tricky training situations

CEGOS 2007

Page 2 of 2

Break the ice
Introduce yourself simply.
Use a presentation technique suited to your audience (number of trainees, whether they know each
other, whether they don't know each other, etc).
Ask them what their expectations are
Ask them to set out their expectations (on post-its for example or on paper, which you can stick to the
wall) and ask them to explain them verbally.
The course programme must meet these expectations. If it doesnt, say so and reject any non-
program expectations so as not to create frustration later by letting a trainee think that everything can
be covered in the course.
Set out the program
Comment on the points and stick it to the wall. Ask if there are any questions.
Don't indicate the number of days or hours that you'll spend on the various parts of the program, don't
put constraints on yourself that will be difficult to meet. Be sensitive to time management when you're
running a session.
If the training is mandatory or the context is difficult (recalcitrant trainees, unwillingness to attend,
punitive training, etc), present the program before asking them for their expectations. This will allow
your trainees to settle themselves better into the program.