A manager’s guide to finding your next trainer
Managers, your next star trainer is probably already on your team. Do you know how to spot them?
Every manager has seen employees who naturally become the go-to person others seek out for help. But not everyone is cut out to be a trainer, and surprisingly, your highest performers don’t always make the best teachers.
So how can you find the great facilitators?
This article is here to managers evaluate which employees have the characteristics that translate into effective facilitation.
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Inside every team there are people who have the raw attributes to become excellent trainers. They’re the ones colleagues approach with questions, the team members who seem to effortlessly explain complex processes. Their natural characteristics make them stand out. But how do you identify which of these natural helpers could excel as formal trainers?
Here are four key attributes to look for in your current team members:
1. Strong Communication skills
A great trainer doesn’t just know the material, they can explain it clearly and in a way others understand.
What to look for:
- Speaks clearly and adapts to their audience
- Avoids jargon when explaining concepts to non-experts
- Uses analogies or visuals to make complex ideas accessible
Possible Scenarios:
- The employee who explains the new CRM system by comparing it to organizing a digital filing cabinet.
- Someone who can break down last quarter’s results so both the finance team and sales team understand.
How to look for:
During your next team meeting, notice who checks for understanding when presenting information and explains updates in a way everyone understands before moving on.
Why it matters: Training falls flat when people can’t connect with what’s being said, no matter how accurate the content.
2. Patient & Approachable
Some employees have the temperament to guide others to understanding, providing answers in multiple ways without frustration.
What to look for:
- Stays calm when asked the same question multiple times
- Shows genuine interest in helping others succeed
- Demonstrates empathy for people at different skill levels
Possible Scenarios:
- The person who stays after a meeting to walk a struggling colleague through a process.
- An employee who practices a psychologically safe work environment.
How to look for:
Observe how they respond when interrupted with a repeat question. Do they seem energized by teaching moments?
Why it matters: Learners need to feel safe and supported when asking questions and admitting confusion. A patient, approachable trainer builds that trust.
3. Natural Knowledge-Sharer
Team members who are naturally inclined to share what they know. They proactively spread knowledge without being asked.
What to look for:
- Enjoys teaching, mentoring, or “showing how” in informal settings
- Proactively explains shortcuts or tips
- Creates quick reference guides or runs informal teach-ins
Possible Scenarios:
- A teammate proactively posts a “how-to” slack thread after a new tool rollout.
- An employee volunteers to create a simple “cheat sheet” to navigate a new system.
How to look for:
Next time you’re in a meeting, keep an eye out for folks who create and share resources without being prompted.
Why it matters: Great trainers enjoy sharing knowledge with others. That natural instinct is the foundation of facilitation.
4. Growth-Oriented Mindset
The best trainers are learners themselves. They’re curious, seek out feedback, and actively look to expand their skills.
What to look for:
- Volunteers for stretch assignments
- Asks for feedback and acts on it
- Shows initiative in their professional development
Possible Scenarios:
- An employee asks to shadow other departments to understand the full process.
- A team member openly collaborates on process improvements with other groups.
How to look for:
During performance conversations, note who asks about growth opportunities versus waiting to be assigned them.
Why it matters: Training needs are dynamic and constantly evolving. Those with a growth mindset adapt their teaching approach to meet what the situation calls for.
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Final Thoughts
The key to spotting future trainers is about observing attributes and behaviors, not just performance metrics.
During meetings, team interactions, and day-to-day work, notice who others turn to for guidance and how those individuals respond. Look for clear communication, patience, proactive knowledge-sharing, and a genuine desire to grow.
Your best training candidates are hiding in plain sight, the natural coaches already making your team stronger. With the right support, they can become confident trainers who elevate the skills of everyone around them.
A great trainer will likely be sitting in your next team meeting.
Can you recognize the signs?
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