Dealing with a trainee missing deadlines in remote training. Can you motivate them to meet expectations?

My experience taught me the importance of taking the time to understand the root causes of performance issues. By engaging in empathetic dialogue and providing targeted support, you can help your team overcome obstacles and achieve their best results. It's a reminder that sometimes, the solutions to problems lie in understanding and addressing the human factors behind them.

First and foremost, you need to have a strong foundational relationship of trust with the person you are managing and/or training. They have to trust and respect you. Respect is earned, so that takes time. Trust is gained, and you can gain trust by doing what you say you will do, leading by example, and making a person feel safe and open talking with you. Expectation setting is key. Making sure that the people you are working with, understand early and often, what they can expect from you, and what you expect from them. You have to make sure you execute your end, and then you can expect them to as well. However, you should approach the dialogue with an approach of listening, understanding, coaching, and personal/professional development.

As an experienced trainer, I’ve found that understanding the root cause of missed deadlines is crucial. However, it’s equally important to empower trainees with the right tools and strategies. Here are a few tips: Set Clear Expectations: Ensure your trainee understands the task requirements and deadlines from the outset. Regular check-ins can help keep them on track. Provide Resources: Equip your trainee with the necessary resources and tools. This could be a project management tool or additional training materials. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create an environment where your trainee feels comfortable asking for help. This can prevent misunderstandings and ensure they feel supported.

Absolutely, setting clear goals is a game-changer in training. Here’s how I’ve applied this in practice: Chunking: I break down complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the project less daunting and provides a clear path forward. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing each completed task fuels motivation and builds momentum. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep trainees engaged and motivated. Regular Feedback: I provide constructive feedback at each milestone. This helps trainees understand where they stand and what they need to improve.

-Offer Support: Ensure the trainee has access to all necessary resources, including training materials, tools, and support from peers or mentors. -Training Sessions: Provide additional training or tutorials if the trainee is struggling with specific aspects of the material.

-Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress, address issues, and keep the trainee on track. -Set Milestones: Break down the tasks into smaller milestones, making it easier for the trainee to manage their workload and stay motivated.