What do you do when trainees disagree with training?

1 Acknowledge and validate

The first step when facing a trainee disagreement is to acknowledge and validate their perspective. This does not mean that you have to agree with them or change the training, but it shows that you respect their input and are willing to listen. You can use phrases like "I appreciate your feedback", "I understand where you are coming from", or "That's an interesting point of view" to acknowledge and validate their opinion. This can help to diffuse any tension or hostility, and create a more positive and collaborative atmosphere.

2 Clarify and explain

The next step is to clarify and explain the rationale behind the training, and how it relates to the learning objectives, the organizational goals, and the trainees' needs. Sometimes, trainees may disagree with the training because they do not understand its purpose, relevance, or value. You can use questions like "What are you hoping to learn from this training?", "How do you think this training will help you in your role?", or "What are the benefits of this training for you and the organization?" to clarify and explain the training. This can help to address any misconceptions, gaps, or doubts that the trainees may have, and demonstrate the logic and evidence behind the training.

3 Involve and engage

The third step is to involve and engage the trainees in the training, and encourage them to share their experiences, insights, and questions. Sometimes, trainees may disagree with the training because they feel bored, disinterested, or excluded. You can use strategies like group discussions, case studies, simulations, or polls to involve and engage the trainees in the training. This can help to increase their motivation, interest, and participation, and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning.

4 Respect and resolve

The final step is to respect and resolve any remaining disagreements that the trainees may have, and seek a mutually acceptable solution or compromise. Sometimes, trainees may disagree with the training because they have different values, beliefs, or preferences that are not aligned with the training. You can use techniques like active listening, paraphrasing, summarizing, or reframing to respect and resolve these disagreements. This can help to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of perspectives, find common ground, and agree on a way forward that meets the needs and expectations of both the trainer and the trainees.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?