Tips for Training a Newbie Whos Slow to Catch On

Tips for Training a Newbie Whos Slow to Catch OnTips for Training a Newbie Whos Slow to Catch OnTips for Training a Newbie Whos Slow to Catch OnThere are quick learners, average learners, and those that just dont seem to get it. And if you fall into that latter category, nobodys going to tell you to your face (unless theyre asshats whose main goal in life is to make you feel like sludge). No, most people are more considerate than that. Instead, theyll complain about you behind your back until you finally figure out how to do what youve been hired to do. Ive listened to plenty of complainers from my teenage pizza house days up to where I am now and I admit Ive also voiced my own share of annoyances.So what can you do if youre a quick learner stuck training a new hire who seems to take forever to catch on?Practice patience. Remember There were times when you were the newbie, too. Recall how hard you worked to make a good impression and prove to your new employers they hired the right p erson (not to mention how good you felt when you didnt have to ask for help anymore). So allow a little extra time and patience when youre teaching the new hire. While you probably have a million other things to do other than train a new employee, set some time aside to make it your number one priority.Create cheat sheets. To make your life (and the new hires) easier, write down repetitive processes on step-by-step cheat sheets. Theyll serve as learning tools and instant reminders so the newbies dont have to come running to you if they forget what happens next.Reassess your expectations. Sometimes new hires just dont get it, no matter how many different ways you try to teach them. So you exhaust yourself with repetition and begin to wonder how on earth you learned everything so quickly and this guy is taking forever. Now stop pulling your hair out and digest this fact Everyones learning curve is different. Hopefully, when you hired him, you established your time frame expectations. For example You expect him to have X process down cold within three weeks. If that time limit has passed and hes still struggling, reevaluate your expectations, determine if its truly him, or (gasp) your teaching methods that are the root of the problem. Then address it accordingly.And consider this If management asked you to do the training, theres a good chance they see you as a good mentor, or think you have potential to become a manager, yourself. If so, this could be an important opportunity for you, too. Teach your newbie in a way that you would want to be taught, ask for feedback on your teaching methods, and keep in mind that training is temporary. Youll survive