You are Excused from Training

Trainers, please picture this... You are presenting in a new location to a new group. You are prepared for a one day workshop. Your materials are ready and you are "on". Things seem to be going well. You are building a nice rapport with the class and the pace of the training is right on schedule. About two hours into your day one participant starts to demonstrate disruptive behavior. This individual begins talking to the person beside him during the lecture. A few minutes later, during an activity this gentleman is doing everything in his power to take people's attention away from the subject at hand. As the calm cool trainer you are, you try to work with him to no avail, and his behavior is really starting to affect the others in the workshop. You've got about one hour to lunch, and you are now behind on your timeline?For the sake of the training, what do you do?

As a trainer have you ever experienced presenting to a group with one or more difficult participants? The behaviors and attitudes of one or two of your class members can easily throw off the learning of the entire group. In my early experience as a trainer, there were several times when I found I had to make difficult decisions about how to handle a challenging participant. I posed the question to my manager and mentor, "When it's obvious that a participant is not interested in the training, and determined to disrupt the entire class; do you ever just ask that person to leave?"

Before I give you the answer that she gave me, let me tell you a little about my thoughts on training, and give you some ideas for identifying and dealing with difficult participants.

Now, I am someone who is dedicated to developing and teaching others. I feel that it is one of my callings in life. Because of this belief the idea of not allowing someone to continue attending a class or a workshop is difficult for me to accept. My philosophy is that the company hired me to train the team members ? the team members are in the training session for the benefit of their job ? we are all in the situation for ultimately the same reason: to make the company stronger through development. So, why is it sometimes so difficult for people to accept the idea of being in training?

Here are some examples of difficult participants

The Prisoner ? This participant is unhappy to be in the classroom. They feel trapped in a training session that they do not see the need for. A Prisoner can be spotted in two ways. They may be disengaged; not making eye contact, not paying attention, not participating in discussion or activities

They may be confrontational; challenging information provided in order to discredit the training or the trainer.

The Sniper ? This participant uses rude comments, sarcasm, as well as verbal & nonverbal behaviors to interrupt the learning process for themselves and others. The sniper is targeting the instructor. Statements may include:

"She (the instructor) doesn't know what she is talking about" "I think that is stupid" "You don't have authority or creditability with me"

The Challenger ? This is a participant who challenges subjects on small details; they like to display their knowledge (which they perceive to be greater than the trainers).

A Challenger differs from a Sniper in the questioning. The Challenger will question or challenge the information. For example:

"Where did you get that fact?"

"I was told to do it this way?"

"I've tried that way and it doesn't work?"

The Lost ? This is a participant that is not grasping the concepts being presented. The Lost can be spotted in two ways.

They usually display nonverbal expressions of not comprehending. They may ask questions that show their lack of understanding.

Check out some suggestions I have collected from colleges to handle participant behavior like the prisoner, challenger & sniper.

WIIFM ? "What's in it for me?" Within the first five minutes create the idea that the training is relevant for the participants. Let the class know why they are in the session and what they will get out of the time they spend there.

Deal with challenging participants firmly, but nicely Ask yourself, do you want to win, or do you want the learner to learn?

If anger is expressed and learning is disrupted Ask the participant if they want to discuss the problem now or later. Let them have control. Don't discuss the anger in the classroom setting. Take the participant aside to have the discussion or send the class on break.

Listen without interrupting Listen carefully and then restate what they are feeling.

"If I understand you correctly?"

Don't make the learner wrong Trying to prove that the learner is incorrect is likely to escalate the problem.

"Let me explain what I think has happened so you can understand my thinking. I think we can work this out together."

Find something you can agree on Make it specific to the topic at hand (the reason for the training, the benefits for the company or the benefits for the individual).

Use Language to create engagement

Positive phrasing has the following qualities:

? Tells the learner what can be done
? Suggests alternatives and choices ? Sound helpful and encouraging rather than bureaucratic ? Stresses positive actions and positive consequences that can be anticipated

Some examples:

? One option open to you is? ? We can help you to (whatever) if you would? ? I might suggest? ? Let me explain the background?or the perspective?.

Negative phrasing has the following characteristics:

? Telling the learner what cannot be done ? Has a subtle tone of blame ? Includes words like: Can't, Won't, Shouldn't

Some examples that can be interpreted as sarcastic or patronizing:

? No doubt? ? You understand, of course ? We can not? ? You are overlooking the fact that? ? You claim that? ? I cannot see how you?.

Link the solution to the learners needs or frustrations You cannot make someone listen, but you can make it worthwhile for them to listen from their perspective.

Indicate that the learner is not the only one with the same fears or frustrations

Indicate that others are working on possible solutions

? Utilize a feedback process for their suggestions ? Ask them to be open to the concept in class ? Ask them to identify areas of strength or weakness ? Ask them to write up an analysis and suggestions for a better procedure ? Invite them to channel the information to the appropriate people

Handling the lost, working with the challenger

Clarify if the issue is skill or will. Ask them to indicate which part they don't understand. Offer to provide additional support during activities. Team a lost individual up with a challenger; make the challenger use their knowledge to help "the lost" grasp concepts.

I learned all of the things above from manager's, mentors, other trainers, and through my own experience. When I experienced a challenging participant (Prisoner) again, I followed the rules above. I spoke to the individual on a break, listened to their feelings and gave him the option to leave if he felt it warranted. In the end he understood why his behavior challenged the whole class. He chose to stay and found a way to make the session work for him.

My mentor helped me specifically with my original challenge from the beginning of this article.

"When it's obvious that a participant is not interested in the training, and determined to disrupt the entire class; do you ever just ask that person to leave?"

She explained as an instructor you should talk to the participant, respect them and explain your perspective to them in a way that does not turn you into the disciplinarian and them into a child. As adults in a business setting you can give them the option to step out of the training, but let them know they will be responsible for their decision. Responsible for the material missed and explaining the situation to their manager. The participant will let you know when they need to leave. As trainers you have tools to handle and management difficult participants. Give some of these a try and you will never have to say, "You are excused from training".

If you are interest in leadership theory and practices then you need to visit: http://www.righttolead.com. Jenny Kerwin is a contributing writer and thinker for our organization. In addition, as a leader you may be interested in http://www.righttolead.com. For more information on training visit http://www.righttolead.com.

personalized cleaning services Mundelein ..
In The News:

Here's how your daily brew is becoming the foundation for greener buildings.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, are transforming how we learn. But what does this mean for AI and learning retention?
Modern AI data centers use much more electricity than traditional cloud servers. In many cases, the existing power grid cannot keep up. One innovative solution is gaining traction: repurposed EV batteries for AI data centers.
Microsoft 365 and Outlook users are being targeted by a tactic that injects fake billing alerts directly into their calendars.
Researchers are now showing us that old smartphones as data centers could be the next big thing in sustainable tech.
Scientists have created micro-robots for sinus infection treatment that can enter the nasal cavity, eliminate bacteria directly at the source, and exit without harming surrounding tissue.
Let's examine how your data is collected in everyday life, who is buying and selling it, what happens to it afterward, and, most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. developed small robots called "Pipebots" that can travel inside water pipes to find and potentially repair leaks, all without any excavation.
A groundbreaking new study has uncovered disturbing AI blackmail behavior that many people are unaware of yet.
Four teams of autonomous humanoid robots competed in China's first AI soccer tournament, demonstrating advanced capabilities in ball detection and independent decision-making.
The ID. Buzz autonomous van features self-driving technology with 13 cameras, nine LiDAR units and five radars after Volkswagen partnered with Hamburg and Uber for 2026 deployments.
Social Security phishing scams use urgency and impersonation to steal personal data. Learn how to spot fake SSA emails and implement 10 protective measures.
French startup Pazzi Robotics created an AI-powered pizza robot that made pies in under five minutes without human help, but it closed in 2022 despite patents and expert partnerships.
Reclaim your time from big tech with effective screen time reduction strategies for iPhone and Android, featuring steps to limit app usage and create phone-free zones.
Amazon Prime Day shoppers face threats from 120,000-plus scam websites as cybercriminals prepare phishing traps and malware ahead of the July sales event.
Fox News' AI Newsletter brings you the latest on this rapidly evolving technology.
The AEON humanoid robot tackles labor challenges with Nvidia AI, Microsoft Azure cloud and advanced spatial awareness, working alongside industry leaders Schaeffler and Pilatus.
Google's Ask Photos feature brings AI-powered searches to your photo library, letting you find memories with natural language queries while maintaining privacy controls.
The return of blue book exams emerges as universities fight widespread AI academic dishonesty and educators debate whether to ban AI tools or teach responsible usage.
Signs your phone might be hacked include strange behavior, unauthorized texts, battery drain and pop-ups, while protection involves updating software and avoiding public Wi-Fi.
Tokyo startup H2L has launched Capsule Interface technology enabling full-body robot control with muscle sensors, offering immersive remote operation.
The A.I. industry seems set for growing pains as Big Tech companies scramble for solutions to the medium's unprecedented strain on the power grid.
Fourth of July fireworks cause a 60% spike in lost pets, but GPS trackers and AI photo-matching services like Love Lost can help reunite missing dogs with their families.
Protect yourself from jugging, the rising crime by which thieves monitor ATM users and follow them to steal cash, with six practical safety tips to stay alert and secure.
U.S. airlines like Delta, American and United are selling your domestic flight records to government agencies through the little-known Travel Intelligence Program.

Team Journaling

The very effective tool of keeping a journal can be... Read More

Creating a Winning Staff Team

As a business owner, I've had staff come and go... Read More

Downsizing Your Team

Team Building Question:Our office has recently learned that about 20... Read More

Nine Ways to Contribute to Project Team Success

The world of work has changed. It used to be... Read More

Resolving Workplace Conflict: 4 Ways to a Win-Win Solution

The effects of conflict in the workplace are widespread and... Read More

Beyond Brainstorming ? Large Groups

When leaders, consultants and managers require ideas, they automatically tend... Read More

Communication between franchisees in a franchise system

If you own a franchise you would be wise to... Read More

Effective Team Building for Stronger Teams

TEAM LEADERS WORKSHOPAlice asked Cheshire cat "which road should I... Read More

Listening Between the Lines

Have you seen the tee-shirt with the slogan, "Talk to... Read More

Yes, But What Are You Really Saying?

More and more I hear people misunderstanding what someone else... Read More

Conflict Is Cool

Having experienced more than my fair share of conflict over... Read More

Marche, or How Teams Work.

On the trail in Northern Canada "Marche" was the word... Read More

Raising Issues In Your Group or Offline

In a recent group coaching session, a client mentioned that... Read More

Recruiting Government Workers As Franchisees

Many believe a leaner government promotes better freedoms with respect... Read More

Effective Team Building Part 1 - Another Brick in the Wall!

The first in a series of articles giving a slightly... Read More

Why It Pays to Out More Humor in the Workplace

1. Humor reduces stress levels and stress is the number... Read More

Leadership ? Do The Simple But Important Things

Why do we human beings complicate things? Is it that... Read More

Motivation - Dont Make Your Team Uncomfortable

The people in your team may feel a bit uncomfortable... Read More

Always In Motion Is The Future

It's the summer of 1973, and a young film director... Read More

Building Successful Work Relationships--Playing In The Same Sandbox

Remember playing in your childhood sandbox? If you enjoyed being... Read More

Consensus: The Right Team Decision Strategy?

Consensus is the appropriate decision strategy for the most important... Read More

Feedback - How to Make it Effective

Let's look at the detail of giving feedback. Whether you... Read More

Top Ten Creative Excursions for Building Effective Teams

The ability to build effective teams is a must for... Read More

Leading To A Preferred Future

Last month's edition of Footprints and Monuments illustrated a parallel... Read More

Do You Want to Get Others to Improve Their Performance? Then Expect the Best

Recently I decided to stretch my athletic abilities and add... Read More

one time home cleaning Buffalo Grove ..