They say that there are three types of participants in a training course, recluses, vacationers and time wasters. Prisoners and being held against their will and have been forced to go by someone else, usually their manager, who wants to appear as if they are doing something to help. Unfortunately, they can be quite open with their displeasure! A comment to define these guys is “Do I have to be here?” Remember not to take it personally!
Then there are the time wasters, they are in training mainly to avoid work or to chat and laugh with their peers, maybe they are disillusioned with their role or whatever, but the reality is that they are not there to learn. . One way to identify this behavior is to observe apathy towards the subject, being silly, not listening, etc.
Finally we have the vacationers. These are people who want to be there and are prepared to make the most of it.
Now, just before we turn our full attention to the tourist, who really wants to learn! What about the other two categories? How do we involve them?
Well, first of all, you need to find out who is what in this particular course. Remember that the people who make up the prisoners and time wasters will only act this way in certain settings that feel inappropriate to them, they don’t act this way all the time, so be tough on the behavior and go easy on the person.
I am also not going to recommend any delicate way of looking for signals. I’m just going to suggest that you ask them directly!
I used this myself recently to great effect. It’s a great way to break the ice and start the day and it’s different from the usual “What does everyone want to get out of today?” “A good lunch!” You know what I want to say!
At the beginning, explain to the group the three categories and ask them to identify themselves.
Once they have done this, you as the trainer can ask about ways you can change their perspective and give them value for the day.
This promotes an honest and transparent relationship between you and the participants!
Enjoy