Trainers Tip - “I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M HERE!”

Have you ever been setting up for your training workshop, and as people arrived someone announces, “I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M HERE!”

This question could have two different intents.

1. It could mean communication has failed. From a business perspective, poor communication about the actual training and from a learner’s perspective poor communication with their Line Manager to question why they are attending.
2. It could also mean they think they know everything already and are trying to let you know they don’t think they should be there!

What can you do as the TRAINER?

• Don’t be tempted to coach them (“Why do YOU think you’re here?”) This will just antagonise things.
• Keep factual. Explain what the training involves and who it is aimed at. Ask them what relevance this might have to their job role and look for responses.
• If they genuinely cannot make the connection, between the topics you are covering and their role or behaviour, ask them to call their Line Manager to clarify if they need to be there. (Booking mistakes happen!)
• If they are simply making a point that they don’t WANT to be there, you could dig a little deeper, but this isn’t always possible at the beginning of the session.  Ask them to join you up till the first break (which you can always bring forward) and then suggest they call their line manager to discuss alternative options if they still feel it’s not the right thing for them.
• As part of your opening, also discuss expectations, so if behaviour becomes an issue, you can refer back to it.
• If they (or anyone else for that matter) are continually disruptive ask them to leave and contact their line manager after the workshop to talk things through.
• Remember, it is not your role to make them stay!  It is your role to ensure you’ve established they fully understand what the training is about, and what the benefits of staying are, and the consequences of leaving entail.

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