Troubleshooting for Trainers

Introduction

Twenty-something years ago, I arrived early to set up for my first training program in my first L&D job, which was at an international retail bank. I was so excited to finally be officially working as a trainer, even if banking wasn’t an industry I’d previously had any exposure to. So I was also nervous as I set up for this session, which focused on new software the bank was introducing. Upon arriving, I turned on and tested all of the computer terminals, hung up some flipcharts, put out name tags and participant materials, and tested my computer demo in the front of the room. I’d rehearsed several times and I was ready when participants came in and took their seats.

The first activity I conducted was to go around the room asking ...