We often monitor new trainers to ensure they’re doing things right and give them feedback regularly. This approach works for most trainers. But sometimes, all this supervision can hold some of our trainers back. Let me share Riya’s story (name changed), one of our trainers who struggled under constant monitoring but flourished when she was given the freedom to work independently.
Riya joined our training team with a strong background in customer service, communication skills, and subject expertise. During her onboarding, she completed a Train the Trainer Program. Afterward, she observed senior trainers and then began co-facilitating sessions with them.
As a standard procedure, we monitored her sessions closely, providing feedback and watching her every move. Trainers were required to meet various parameters. Only those who met these standards within an acceptable margin were allowed to start training on their own.
To our surprise, Riya’s performance was just average. She seemed nervous and hesitant, and her sessions didn’t have the energy we expected from someone with her qualifications. It was clear that the constant monitoring was affecting Riya’s confidence. She was so focused on being watched and judged that she couldn’t relax and be herself.
We decided to take a different approach. We stopped the close monitoring and let Riya run her sessions on her own. No more senior trainers or mentors sitting in the back, no immediate feedback—just Riya and her trainees.
The change was incredible. Without the pressure of being watched, Riya came alive. Her sessions became engaging and interactive. She introduced creative activities that got her trainees involved and made learning enjoyable. Her evaluations improved dramatically, and soon, she was one of our top five trainers.
Riya’s story teaches us that trust and autonomy can unlock a trainer’s true potential. While monitoring and feedback are important, too much oversight can actually hinder performance. Some trainers, like Riya, do their best work when they’re given the freedom to operate independently.
By trusting Riya and allowing her to take charge of her sessions, we saw her creativity and skills flourish. She connected with her trainees on a deeper level and achieved results that surpassed our expectations.
For those leading training teams, Riya’s experience is a reminder that giving your trainers some breathing room can lead to great things. When trainers feel trusted and empowered, they’re more likely to tap into their full potential and deliver exceptional results.
So, as you guide and support your trainers, remember that a little trust can go a long way. By giving them the freedom to shine, you’ll not only help them grow but also enhance the overall impact of your training programs.
p.s. I invite you to share in the comments what you did to support and improve your trainers’ performance and help them grow.
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