Many trainers distance themselves from the term “trainer.” Why is that? Here’s a thought to ponder:
Do YOU want to be a trainer?
“I am not a trainer!” – I hear this sentence more and more frequently from trainers whom I would describe as such. Without malicious intent, of course, because for me, a trainer has always been just a term for a person who promotes and develops others (adults) in a professional context.
In the June issue of Training aktuell, marketing expert Bernhard Kuntz also drew attention to this phenomenon. His conclusion: “Trainers, stick to your flipcharts!” The term trainer seems to no longer be enough for many. They want to change the world – which seems impossible as a trainer.
I ask myself: Is a trainer really “just” an old-fashioned educator with a flipchart? – Why shouldn’t a trainer also be able to inspire people successfully and forge new paths?
Language in Transition
Clearly: Language is constantly changing. But is the term itself really “outdated,” or simply too frequently associated with negative connotations in practice? If you identify with this, ask yourself: Do you not call yourself a trainer because the term does not fit your activities? Or do you simply have negative associations with the term?
Alternative Job Titles
Let’s briefly consider alternatives: Which of these applies to you the most?
Term | Associations |
Consultant | Uses their expert knowledge in a specific field to provide assistance from the outside |
Coach | Fosters potentials, usually individually in a 1:1 format |
Speaker | Stands on stages and gives talks to motivate people to change |
Trainer | Conveys their knowledge (theoretically and practically) to training groups |
Most trainers are probably a mix of at least two of the titles mentioned. The most popular seem to be “trainer, coach, consultant.” Understandable: On one hand, your own activities are also changing, and you may not want to commit to any one label forever. On the other hand, reality is simply not as neatly separated as the terms are in theory.
PS: I have deliberately sorted the job titles in the table alphabetically to express that there is no “ranking” for me here. A flipchart trainer can be just as successful as a speaker who regularly stands on stages. What’s important is to do every job with passion.
Association with a “Speaker”: In a suit at the lectern, gazing into the distance.
