Author: ArcLab

At Passioneat Hospitality, our answer has been the launch of our Igniting Trainers program. Igniting Trainers is designed with a concierge approach. Knowing that each trainer and operation requires its own set of interventions and different tools at different times, we combine the best of digital and face to face training. Most train-the-trainer programmes are one-offs or a series of standalone sessions that provide little ongoing coaching. By leveraging digital mediums, we can transform the training journey by connecting the trainers – whom we call igniters – with our team, discuss their training needs, and deploy interventions to them virtually.

Virtual deployment of interventions is a necessary component, because it allows multiple things:

• The trainers can view the content when their operations allow
• Every trainer will absorb the material differently, so being able to slow-down, rewind, rewatch, pause, and take notes are all important steps of the preparation stage
• Some of the interventions have training aids that we deliver virtually, this saves precious time and reduces cost and waste because phones are quickly and easily transformed into high quality learning tools. Depending on the intervention, post-training sharing is also easily accomplished

What are some of the digital elements of our interventions?

• Reel style videos – made for vertical viewing, the reels help us engage the trainers quickly with a summary of the training’s goal. It’s also a useful medium for the trainer to send out to a group chat to excite the learners for the upcoming training
• Long form explanation video – combined with subtitles and key learning points, we’re able to explain the activity in greater detail, adding more texture and nuance with a distinctly human interaction. Choosing a more conversational approach helps the trainers to feel less like they’re taking instructions from a website
• Infographic – shares the intervention graphically in a simple step-by-step format with options for variations. The most valuable part of the infographic is the debrief section which is often the most challenging skill to develop as an emerging trainer
• Additional aids – depending on the activity, we may provide tools that can be used immediately or provide a structure for easy replication

How does this concierge format set trainers up for success?

• We know that operational trainers are time-strapped: now instead of spending 30 minutes searching for activities online we provide them activities that can be prepared in 5-10 minutes and delivered in 15-20 minutes. Eliminating the task of hunting for activities means that most trainers would be able to deliver a training each week or 50 interventions a year
• Operational trainers have a clearer and deeper understanding of the acute needs of their team and operation. Standard programs that deliver a series of interventions may not deliver the right intervention at the right time. This mismatch can lead to demotivation for the trainer and the team and suboptimal results
• Every concept and operation is slightly different, our coaching allows us to help trainers see the intervention from the lens of their needs. For example, a halal concept can adjust a cocktail challenge to a mocktail challenge and a Japanese restaurant can adjust a wine spotlight to a sake spotlight
• Rising leaders can often grapple with doubt and desire for a mentor. Having additional support from outside of the organization that helps them to grow and reach their potential throughout a sustained journey
• Digital is good, but hybrid takes training to the next level. Greater context, support, and application allows training to truly shine and learners of all levels to thrive