Cathy Bolger -- Working With a Co-Trainer

Working With a Co-Trainer, by Cathy Bolger

"Based on direct feedback from participants, the best experiences they've had have been when power is shared between co-facilitators. That means there's a seamless give-and-take between the two, where mutual respect between the facilitators is demonstrated, along with fun and warmth."
—Karen Dietz, trainer and facilitator

I really enjoy co-training. I wish that I had more opportunities to train with someone else. So, when I do get the opportunity, I want to maximize our effectiveness. How do we do that? In addition to my own ideas, I ask colleagues for their ideas on how to maximize co-training opportunities so we can present as a seamless, integrated training team.

Below I have listed success tips in five categories. These have proved helpful for maximizing co-trainers' effectiveness.

1. Before

Ensure a shared understanding of the desired outcomes.
Discuss roles and responsibilities related to:
- Kick off and wrap-up
- Different sections of the agenda
- Segues and hand offs
- Time frames, and what to do if behind schedule
Discuss level of engagement while other person is training.
Discuss preferences around interjections and interruptions from other trainer.
Together, walk through the agenda at least a week before the training.

2. Just Before

Expect to be in the room an hour ahead of time to troubleshoot any problems and ensure that the room is configured correctly.
Allow for a few moments of peace before the participants arrive.
Have everything in place in order to greet participants as they arrive.

3. During

Conduct informal check-ins during the day.
Discuss what is working and fine-tune anything that isn't.
Reference something the co-trainer did or said, and reference the co-trainer by name, so learners get a sense of respect between co-trainers-for example, "Remember the great point Cathy made this morning about..."

4. After

Look through evaluations together and discuss them.
Ask for and give feedback to each other.
Discuss ways to continuously improve.
Make a plan to implement ideas for improvement.

5. Relationship Dynamics

Discuss personal patterns (perhaps based on the Myers Briggs or FIRO-B) and how to best use that information to utilize strengths and make adjustments.
Discuss how to share power (see quote at beginning of the article).
Co-training can enhance the learning experience. It takes planning and communication before, during and after the training event.

Cathy Bolger is a San Diego-based consultant specializing in Presentation Skills, Meeting Skills, and Conflict Management Skills. She can be reached at 619 294-2511 or Cathy@CathyBolger.com.