What is important to me as a trainer:    What people like and admire about me as a trainer:      People say I have a deep commitment to and understanding of the concepts – this is more than “work” for me. Participants tell me I can explain concepts in concrete ways that they can relate to and provide good ideas on how to apply them in their work and lives. People like that I use my own examples to show how I’ve practiced using person-centered thinking skills in my own life. People usually enjoy how I encourage them to talk to each other (as opposed to just listening to the trainer.) People say I am good at making connections between concepts How best to support me   Being able to show my enthusiasm for the concepts. I can get pretty animated when I’m on a roll. When the light goes on and participants this is about US, not about THEM and “get” supporting vs. fixing. This is the highlight of training for me. I devote time before each training to think about the audience and their specific work and mission so I can “aim” the concepts to maximize relevance. If participants meet me half way, we’ll have a blast. Good-natured humor is a big part of my approach to training. Participants and I are partners in this training: o Although a gentle trainer overall, I tend to challenge people to give specific ways to apply concepts tomorrow or in the next week. o I love it when the conversation “goes lateral” and I can facilitate participants talking to each other about how they can apply the skills in their work and lives. o Nobody gets left behind in my training (unless that’s their choice.) o Passionate discussion of ideas, practical application, interesting and engaging stories, visuals, graphics, + humor = fun training (IMHO, anyway.) What I’d like you to know if you are hosting the training:  Talk with me prior to the training days so I can come in knowing your people, organization, and culture – I will use the information to make the training relate to participants’ experiences.  Fair warning: I tend to move around a lot while presenting.  Be my timekeeper for breaks (or point me to someone who’s comfortable with that role.)  I tend to recruit participants to record on flip charts. If there’s someone who will be uncomfortable with that, let me know.  Before training starts, at breaks and over lunch I will be quiet and seem preoccupied. Don’t take it the wrong way. I need to collect myself and prepare.  I am pretty tech savvy (and can dance if technology isn’t cooperating.) I’ll have plan B ready if you let me know of potential problems.  I’ll need your help with things like logistics, the environment (too hot/too cold), and knowing if participants have particular needs to be aware of.  I need a little (just a little) space on a table to have things laid out in order.  I will offer to stay connected with participants after training. If that’s an issue for your agency, of course, I’ll respect that and not offer. What I’d like you to know if we are training together:  Every training experience is different. I’ll ask to talk with you before we train together, even if we’ve trained together before.  It’s fine to bring up a point I missed or add to what I said. If I’m missing something in the room or about participants, let’s talk at a break.  I would call it “getting lost in the moment” and “passion for the ideas.” You might call it “overdue for a break” or “you need to move faster!” I’m fine with a reminder to break (or, during the break, suggesting I move a little faster.)  Connecting the dots is a big deal for me. I’ll borrow your points during my presentation (you can use mine, if you like.)  I’m also big on segues. When I pick up after you, I’ll repeat some of your points to provide continuity for participants.  I will be ready to help with recording, logistics, whatever you need while you’re presenting, and want the same from you as a co-trainer.  I want participant feedback at the end of Day 1 (in writing – e.g., post its.) I read them overnight and build participants’ feedback into the beginning of Day 2. If we’re training together, I need to know your comfort level and style for using participant feedback.