The classification of trainers is meant for self-evolution. It can be done by individual trainers. Assessment by others may not always be correct. Many a times, even if proper assessment is made by someone other than the individual trainer, the trainer may not agree to it or accept it.
Three broad classifications
LEVEL ONE:
Trainers who are inactive, and indifferent to what needs to be done, and what is being done and the consequence/s of the same.
They suffer from resistance to action from within. Such trainers always ask questions like “Why should I do it? Why should I do it now? Why should not I do it later? Why should not I avoid doing it?” and give favorable answers to themselves saying, ‘Let me do it later’ or ‘let me not do it’. Such “Why” questions, come from within as a resistance to action.
They procrastinate a lot. They do not know or try to analyze the difference between urgent, important, not urgent and unimportant issues. They do not work on the principle of prioritization and time management.
They always have a ready answer with them “I will cross the bridge, when it comes”, knowing fully well that the bridge is right in front of them and they don’t have the ability to cross the bridge.
There will be complete chaos and confusion in them, to overcome which, they take shelter under postponement of preparation and lethargy.
They are deaf towards suggestions by others. They pretend to be listening without even hearing. They do not internalize the suggestions given. Feedback from others does not work.
Even after seeing better or best performance by other trainers, they just say “I was /am also equally good”, they are little better than me, that is all.” They try to pacify and reassure themselves with their own incorrect grading, even though they can know for sure that ‘their performance was poor’. They do not even allow their own conscience to guide them.
LEVEL TWO:
Trainers who are over active may fall under this category. Their preparation level will be too high. They take care of every minute aspect and they try to foresee all possibilities of risk.
But they are agitated.
They are stressed and strained.
They suffer a lot from performance pressure.
They get annoyed to meet situations about which they had not thought of.
Example
Even if a single slide which they want to show is missed, they feel lost like, and their session thereafter trails.
They always look for appreciation from others.
They get demotivated when others do not appreciate them, even though they genuinely know that their performance was good or even very good.
They sink down, when other trainers who are not so capable as these trainers, are being appreciated more by others.
One can see more of action in them coupled with disturbance. More and more they are active, more and more they get disturbed, and this disturbance gets noticed by others.
In the process of trying to maneuver their internal disturbance their struggle gets exhibited. They are easily tagged by others as ‘agitated personalities’
They try to criticize the person who gives them feedback.
They cannot handle constructive criticisms., and get agitated even by honest feedback. They start giving justifications. They start arguing with the person giving feedback, which is given in their own best interest.
They cannot comprehend that ‘they can also fail’.
LEVEL THREE:
Some trainers who get into this category are objective, dynamic and peaceful.
They are not lethargic. They are not agitated.
They are calm and composed.
They are completely and systematically, well prepared.
They are well read, well informed, knowledgeable.
They are active yet peaceful. They are both dynamic and equanimous.
They are not disturbed by anything over which they don’t have control.
They handle any type of crisis, as though it is part of the training curriculum.
They do not aspire for appreciation from others.
They do not consider themselves as trainers but always place themselves under the category of ‘primary learners’
They look for ‘constructive criticisms’ They take feedback very positively. They do not ignore even the smallest mistake identified by someone in their presentation. They feel happy when others give feedback pointing out mistakes in their performance.
They try to analyze their own performance very objectively, and note down the mistakes committed by them, and make sincere effort to overcome the same. They reflect on what was done and what could have been done better.
They work hard on themselves and enjoy that journey of constant learning.
They always have a single goal of ‘working for the cause’.
They are persons who have surrendered themselves to a larger cause.
The moment such trainers make an entry on the training floor trainees get an impression that ‘here is someone special’.
Understanding the Secret
Anybody can be in any of the three categories any time. Even though the idea is to move from level 1 or 2 to level 3, there is every chance that trainers from level 3 may skip to level 2 or 1, and so also trainers from level 2 may skip to level 1.
All have heard this:
“Mr. X was excellent when I attended his training in 2015. Today it was horrible”
As training is not a static but dynamic process, every trainer may have to make conscious effort to reach and be at level 3.
Some of the characteristics of level three trainers may be in level two or one trainers also, so also, some of the characteristics of level one two trainers may be seen in level three trainers also. The moment some characteristics of level 2 or 1 is seen in level three trainers, they need to understand that they are no more in level three. The idea or the goal should be to eliminate all the characteristics of level one and two trainers and reach to level 3 completely and work hard to stay there or walk further forward.
Suggested Steps
- Identify the level you are on.
- If you find difficulty in identifying, ask your co-trainers to assist you.
- Have a strategic plan to move to level 3, either from level 1 or level 2.
- Work on overcoming each mistake that trainers in level 1 and 2, commit.
- Work on developing all the qualities of trainers at level 3.
- Work constantly and consciously on yourself to be at level three, and to move further forward.
‘Only you know what you are not’.
Slamw
(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 
The Three levels of trainers and the stage of constant learning explained by you are easily going into the mind of every Trainer of Mediation .Every Trainer will realise his Level and will fix himself permanently if he follows your guidelines . It is the light house bringing joy of reaching the goal of Trainer . Hats off for excellent inputs .
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‘Only you know what you are not’. This sums up everything. thanks a lot for this wonderful insight.
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Absolutely right Susheela ma’am…
Unless we honestly evaluate based on our performance with an open mind to listen it’s outcome from our seniors… perhaps we can never improve our performance & shall be static …. perhaps if honestly believe that our preparation was not upto the mark & shall strive to work on our weaknesses…I am sure we can also fit into level three & should continue to work with open mind constantly to further enhance & keep learning every day ….unless we come out of our comfort zone.. we can never be at level-3..
You have certainly helped us to evaluate ourselves by your constant & continuous trainers training programs every week …which is simply not only desirable but very effective in fine tuning ourselves…our sincere gratitude to you in this regard ma’am…
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Honest incisive and holding the mirror!
Insightful as always.
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