The Benefits of Mentoring: Tips for Trainers

When adults go back to school, either in the formal sense of pursing a degree, or going for any type of training or job-related skill-building, what they’re essentially trying to do is improve their quality of life. Maybe they want to be more productive or efficient, learn a new skill, earn more money or be considered for career advancement. Whatever the ends are they’re trying to achieve, one of the best means of ensuring success through any training program is having someone, any one, take the time to get involved, care about that person’s successes (and failures) and be there to help and support the student in his or her learning goals. To mentor. As a trainer of adult learners, you can be that all-important mentor to your students.

The best thing students can get from their mentors is a personal investment: assurances from you that they are worth your time and the encouragement that whatever they’re seeking to achieve, they can do it. Whether students have come to you to learn computer skills or to increase their life-coping abilities, it is their personal connection with you, as their trainer and mentor, that benefits them most. And this applies to all stages of learning.
How do you mentor? Start by building that personal bond with your students, it’s important that the relationship feels natural and uncontrived. Think of how close relationships are built with those around you in your own life, and model your relationship with your students in that way.
Here are three tips to help you along:

1. Show that you genuinely care about your students. This will make the biggest difference with them. If your efforts are forced or insincere, people will see right through you! You cannot be an effective trainer if you do not seriously give 100% to your students and live for their successes, big and small.

2. Exchange personal information where appropriate. Share funny or touching stories, ask about their weekends, vacations, hobbies – let them know that the classroom is an extension of their lives, and not an isolated cell.

3. Realize that fun and laughter are critical parts of the learning process. Students learn through humor and enjoyable activities. Cartoons and games can be educational, and will go a long way to helping students feel comfortable in their learning environment and ready to absorb your training message.
When students feel validated, appreciated, recognized, and valued their confidence increases. In addition, you will likely see them put more energy into what they are trying to learn. They will be on time, better prepared, and willing to put forth greater effort. Don’t just stand up at a podium and lecture. Get involved and mentor your students!

Training cartoons are a wonderful way to energize your content and drive home your message. Visit my website for custom, hand-drawn training cartoons on topics like diversity, FMLA, and HIPAA!