Trainer Methodologies

This skill provides foundational frameworks and methodologies for consultants, trainers, coaches, and facilitators. These methodologies serve as the underlying structure for content generation and training design across all trainer skills.

Purpose

Apply proven methodologies to create structured, engaging, and effective training content and learning experiences. These frameworks ensure content is well-organized, learner-centered, and communicationally effective.

Core Methodologies

McKinsey Frameworks

MECE Principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive)

Apply MECE to:

• Training module breakdown
• Learning objective categorization
• Content structure design
• Problem decomposition in case studies

Usage:

1. List all relevant elements
2. Check for overlaps (mutually exclusive)
3. Verify completeness (collectively exhaustive)
4. Organize hierarchically

Hypothesis-Driven Approach

Structure training content around:

• Clear learning hypotheses (what participants should learn)
• Evidence-based content (why this matters)
• Application exercises (how to apply)

Pyramid Principle

Organize content for clarity:

1. Start with the main conclusion/insight
2. Group supporting arguments
3. Provide detailed evidence

Apply to: slide structure, article flow, session organization

Training from Back of Room (TfBR)

Core Philosophy: Shift from teacher-centered to learner-centered design

4 Key Questions:

1. Who are the learners and what do they need?
2. What do they need to be able to DO (not just know)?
3. What activities will help them learn this?
4. How will we know they learned it?

Design Framework:

Back-of-Room Design (Learning Outcomes First):

• Define measurable learning outcomes
• Design assessment/verification activities
• Create practice opportunities
• Select content delivery methods

Front-of-Room Delivery (Content Last):

• Facilitate (don’t lecture)
• Use activities to generate insights
• Debrief to consolidate learning
• Minimize presentation time

Ratio: 70% participant activity, 30% facilitator presentation

ORID Facilitation Method

Objective (O) – What happened?

• Facts, data, external observations
• “What did you observe?”
• “What stands out?”

Reflective (R) – How do you feel?

• Emotions, reactions, gut responses
• “What was your initial reaction?”
• “What surprised you?”

Interpretive (I) – What does it mean?

• Analysis, meaning, significance
• “What patterns do you notice?”
• “What might this indicate?”

Decisional (D) – What will you do?

• Action, commitment, next steps
• “What will you do differently?”
• “What’s your first step?”

Application:

• Debrief exercises
• Facilitate discussions
• Structure feedback sessions
• Guide reflection activities

NLP Communication Patterns

VAK Representational Systems

Identify and address different learning preferences:

• Visual – Pictures, diagrams, charts, “see”
• Auditory – Stories, discussions, “hear”
• Kinesthetic – Activities, practice, “feel”

Language Patterns:

• Mix sensory language (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
• Use metaphor and analogy
• Frame suggestions positively (“do” vs “don’t”)

Rapport Building:

• Match participant energy level
• Use similar terminology
• Acknowledge different perspectives

Anchoring:

• Create associative memory hooks
• Link content to existing knowledge
• Use recurring themes/phrases

Reframing:

• Present new perspectives
• Challenge limiting beliefs
• Connect content to personal goals

Huawei DSTE/BLM/BEM system

Models:

• Business Leadership Model
• Business Execution Model
• Develop Strategy To Execution

Five SEEs, Three DEFINEs This refers to:

• Five SEEs (五看):
  • See the Industry
  • See the Market
  • See the Customer
  • See the Competition
  • See Yourself
• Three DEFINEs (三定):
  • Define the Strategic Control Point
  • Define the Innovation Focus
  • Define the Business Design

Application Guidelines

For Workshop Outlines

1. Structure with MECE: Break down topics into non-overlapping, comprehensive modules
2. Design outcomes first (TfBR): Define what participants will DO
3. Plan ORID debriefs: After each major activity
4. Include VAK variety: Mix visual, auditory, kinesthetic elements

For Content Creation

1. Apply Pyramid Principle: Lead with main insight, then support
2. Use NLP patterns: Mix sensory language, use metaphors
3. Design learner-centered (TfBR): Focus on application, not just knowledge
4. Include reflection: ORID questions for reader engagement

For Quiz Design

1. Align with outcomes (TfBR): Test application, not just recall
2. Organize with MECE: Cover all key topics without overlap
3. Include variety: Different question types for VAK preferences

For Video Scripts

1. Hook with NLP: Start with sensory-rich opening
2. Structure with Pyramid: Main point first, then evidence
3. Design for engagement (TfBR): Include activities/prompts
4. Close with ORID: Guide viewer reflection and action

Integration with Other Skills

• trainer-workshop-outline: Uses MECE for structure, TfBR for design
• trainer-wechat-article: Applies Pyramid Principle, NLP patterns
• trainer-video-script-short: Uses NLP hooks, Pyramid structure
• trainer-quiz-generator: Aligns with TfBR outcomes, MECE coverage
• trainer-course-script-recorded: Integrates all methodologies
• trainer-opening-remarks: Uses NLP rapport, ORID engagement
• trainer-invitation-email: Applies Pyramid Principle, NLP framing

Quick Reference Table

Common Mistakes

Avoid:

• Treating methodologies as rigid rules (they’re flexible frameworks)
• Over-applying one methodology at expense of others (integrate appropriately)
• Focusing on methodology over learner needs (methods serve learners)
• Skipping ORID steps (use full sequence for depth)
• Forgetting kinesthetic elements (balance VAK)

Remember:

• Methodologies enable, not constrain
• Context determines appropriate application
• Learner experience is the priority
• Blend methodologies for maximum effectiveness

Additional Resources

Reference Files

For detailed methodology guides and templates:

• references/mckinsey-frameworks.md – Comprehensive McKinsey methods
• references/tfbr-guide.md – Training from Back of Room detailed guide
• references/orid-templates.md – ORID facilitation templates
• references/nlp-patterns.md – NLP communication patterns reference

Example Files

Working examples in examples/:

• examples/mece-workshop-structure.md – MECE-applied workshop outline
• examples/orid-debrief-script.md – ORID facilitation script