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Experts Among Us

In nearly every training class you conduct, on nearly every subject, there are “experts” who are participants. Oh, not necessarily experts of YOUR subject matter; but experts nonetheless. When facilitating, use their expertise to not only enhance the class, but to create learning points that help “drive home” your material.

One of the first steps when doing introductions and ice breakers in a new training class is to establish who has prior relevant experience. You’ll be surprised how many in the class are willing to share not only valuable banking related information, but their personal job experiences as well. Once identified, provide the “expert” the opportunity to explain those experiences, especially prior positions, responsibilities, and duration.

In compliance classes you’ll find people with personal experiences in consumer banking issues who want to share; in security classes you’ll find those with experiences with numerous fraud, security and robbery situations, including experiences with scams in general, short-change scams in particular, fake identification, stolen checks with forged signatures, counterfeit currency and altered bills; in sales and service classes you’ll find those with good and bad personal retail experiences; all, when properly handled, become valuable contributions to your class.

Ask their permission to call upon them when their experience is most topical. Make them your “in-house expert” on certain subjects. The “experts” provide valuable input into the class discussions and often lead naturally with insightful ‘compare and contrast’ discussions and interesting learning points. In most cases, the participants come to the class with a variety of retail and security related experiences from their personal life that again can provide valuable information and lessons. This material, in turn, can prompt meaningful discussions and lead to understanding in your specific class subject.

Indeed, there are “experts” among us. These individuals can prove to be valuable resources with information and personal experiences that can trigger meaningful class discussions. All you have to do is ask.