Training a new Starter and Tips for Remaining Patient
Training a new starter is like introducing new food to a toddler; everyone from your grandma to the cleaning lady will tell you that remaining patient is the key to success. However, most of us seem to have missed the queue when patience was being distributed, and it is all the more evident when training a new starter (Often a situation very trying to those blessed with loads of patience). Here are a few tips gleaned from a career, training future doctors and being a mom as well.
1 - Understand that the person in front of you may be a nervous wreck below all that confidence he is trying to muster and your impatience to get it over with might not be exactly useful.
2 - Prepare in advance by apprising the new starter about the way things are done in the particular set up, if possible, a written handout before the actual training starts goes a long way.
3 - Assume that the person in front of you has never done this thing before. This way you are starting with zero expectation and are mentally prepared for a long road ahead. This is true even if the new starter is fully qualified and has undergone training during his coursework. Things in the real world are often done differently than what is taught in schools, isn't it?
4 - If possible choose to start training a new starter on a day when you are not stressed or rushed yourself. Starting on a day your deadline is looming ahead or your boss is upset or you have a crucial meeting coming up is not at a very good idea.
5 - Remember that people learn differently. while one person may get it right with just a few instructions others may need to be shown how to do it. Also be prepared to repeat instructions or explanations, as many times as necessary.
6 - Invest in extras. First timers are prone to cause material damage and there is nothing more frustrating than being stuck for resources.
7 - Imagine yourself in the other person's shoes. Think from his perspective. What maybe the simplest job in the world to you may seem herculean to him.
8 - Give and take a break, a few if necessary. It will give you a chance to calm your nerves and re-organize your approach to a situation if necessary. Also, it gives a bit of space to the newcomer. In a situation where you cannot leave a trainee alone enlist a colleague to keep an eye on things. Of course, prior planning always helps.
9 - Delegate if necessary or possible. For example, if training a group of newcomers, if someone is persistently unable to grasp something ask someone who has understood to explain things to him.
Remember your first time and think of the people who spent hours training you. You wouldn't be where you are today if they had given up on you, would you?
