Factors That Interfere with Training

TeamOJT Tip of the Month for March, 2005

Good trainers are cognizant of issues beyond their control that can interfere with training. The following factors, whether affecting the trainer, the trainee, or both, probably will be present at some time during a trainer's career. All of these interfere with good training sessions:

Discouragement brought on by criticism, fault-finding, and blame
Poorly managed stress
Distraction
Fatigue
Ill health
Disinterest
Complacency
Anxiety
Presence of other employees

The greatest hazard to an effective training session is the presence of other employees who are not involved in the training activity. This is true especially if those workers are allowed to stand around or make comments about what is going on. Many trainers have commented that it is common for another worker to stop by and offer a "better way" to do the task. That not only confuses trainees, but also frequently undoes what the trainer has accomplished. Well-intentioned peers can cause more damage than good. One way to avoid this kind of problem is to ask workers in the training area not to disturb you during the training session.

Human Performance Applications
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E-mail: diane@teamojt.com