Critical Thinking is the engine that powers Technical Training. You say, “Ernie, what do you mean by that?” I say, “Hang on, I’m about to drop some knowledge on you about a core skill for the Technical Trainer.”
There are many areas a Technical Trainer must excel – translating complex ideas into simple, clear concepts, skill at presentation and communication, how to connect with adult learners, and the list goes on. But one of the most important is the need to solve a problem.
In other words, it’s not just about knowledge and it’s not just the ability to communicate. It’s about thinking, reasoning, and logic. Still with me? Problem solving is a big part of Technical Training. And when it comes to problem solving, critical thinking powers the ability to problem solve.
Critical thinking is the engine that powers Technical Training.
And what exactly is critical thinking? Glad you asked. Critical thinking is the process of analyzing and evaluating information. Specifically, it is the ability to sift through information, sort that information, analyze the information and reach a conclusion. Reasoning is vitally important to the success of a trainer.
Critical thinking is a key component of Technical Training because it defines our approach to training and the way we present information to others. A good trainer takes in information, evaluates that information and reaches accurate conclusions based on that information. It’s a skill to develop and build on as a professional.
Think of it this way. It’s rare to meet a trainer with the ability to communicate well. Communication is essential to successful training. It’s also rare to meet a trainer who operates out of knowledge as they perform their duties. Knowledge is another basic component of training.
But it’s even harder to find a trainer with good communication skills, strong product knowledge and expert critical thinking skills. That’s the trifecta. It’s the Holy Trinity of Training- communication, knowledge and critical thinking. It’s what we are looking for in a Technical Trainer.
And to close the loop for this post, our focus for now is on critical thinking. Critical thinking is the engine that powers the successful trainer. Now get out there and think as you train! You got this!
Have a great week,
Ernie