Can Evaluating Trainers be fun?

The Secret Sauce to Effective Trainer Evaluations

You’ve sorted out the criteria for evaluating your trainers and prepared an evaluation form. What comes next? It’s time to take the process further and turn it into a meaningful professional development experience. Here’s how to do it in four simple steps:

Step 1: Give Advance Notice

Nobody likes being blindsided, especially when they’re being evaluated. Let your trainer know in advance when you’ll be attending their session for evaluation. This helps set the right tone and ensures they can prepare without unnecessary stress.

Step 2: Observe Quietly

When it’s time to evaluate, take a seat at the back of the session. Complete your form as they train, but remain silent. Resist the urge to step in or assist the trainer. This is their session, and your role is purely to observe. Intervening disrupts the flow and undermines the evaluation process.

Step 3: Share Your Feedback Thoughtfully

After the session, add any additional comments to your evaluation form and sign it. Then, hand it to the trainer in person—don’t email it. Either leave it on their desk or give it to them directly, with clear instructions. Here’s the secret sauce: tell them to read your feedback and sign the form only if they agree with your comments. If they don’t agree, invite them to discuss the feedback with you.

Step 4: Be Open to Dialogue

In most cases, the trainer may have some points of disagreement. When they come to you, listen respectfully. Be open to learning something new about training that you hadn’t considered. If their feedback is valid, be willing to revise your comments. However, if you stand by your points, assert them respectfully and see if you can come to a mutual understanding.

Why It Works

This approach fosters trust, encourages professional growth, and strengthens the trainer’s confidence. By handling the evaluation with care and respect, you’re not just ticking a compliance box; you’re engaging in one of the most rewarding professional development activities for both you and your trainers.

Evaluating trainers doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a clear process and the right mindset, it can become a collaborative effort that benefits everyone involved. So, why not give it a go? You might just find it’s one of the most satisfying parts of your leadership journey.