As a trainer, observation is probably the most valuable aspect of your career. The ability to see and identify certain behavior components in an individual or within a group could be vital in determining how the rest course should proceed. Nevertheless, there may be an even more important factor that could jeopardize the entire event if not attended to immediately. The role confidence plays in the matter.
Coaches, teachers, trainers, and even parents have an unusual position in society. To a degree, they are an authority in their given fields, and consequently they must often interact and stimulate people who may be completely insecure – authority without controlling factor. A language coach, for example, must break any notions the client has on ability and proficiency, otherwise progress could be slow. A teacher, likewise, must encourage open communication and tolerance when different learning styles clash in the classroom.
Could it be suggested that confidence is a stimulant definable in many shapes and forms? An over-confident student may need a wake-up call illustrating the lack of perceived proficiency, while a timid personality could adversely affect the pace of group activities. As an external stimulant itself, the trainer must cope with both delicately (as in the case of the over-confident) and encouragingly (as in the case of timidity).
Ultimately, where does that leave us? Is confidence-building a vital part of all training endeavors?
Tags: confidence, language skills, training
