There are a huge number of benefits to this model of training instructors. Instead
of relying on one individual to go through a lengthy training process, you can
build a team of instructors and enablers so your training initiatives can be
accomplished in a shorter amount of time. At the same time, you're giving your
enablers tools concerning not only what to teach, but how to teach. Per an article
posted to the Houston Chronicle, "Instructors learn to lead discussions, listen
effectively, make accurate observations and help participants to link training to
their jobs. They learn to maintain eye contact, maintain a positive attitude, speak
in a clear voice, gesture appropriately, and maintain interest and dispel
confusion."
Be prepared for mistakes
Train the Trainer is a learning process. Even if your participants have years of
experience in teaching, they may not have done so in the corporate environment.
As with any learning process, if you don't allow your trainers to make some
mistakes, they may be hesitant to try something new again. And the same goes
for the managers overseeing the initiative. Allow enough time for preparation and
practice. It's incredibly rare for something to go smoothly the first time you try it,
even if you've spent a lot of time choosing the right trainers and researching the
perfect subject-matter experts.