One idea from bikablo® that changed the way I think about teaching.
I've had the privilege of participating in several Train the Trainer programs throughout my career, and each one has shaped the way I teach today.
My first experience was at Walt Disney World.
Even years later, I still remember lessons from Disney University about creating exceptional learning experiences for new Cast Members. It wasn't simply about delivering information—it was about designing experiences that people would remember.
Years later, I attended a Train the Trainer program led by Allison McEachern. It was there that I was first introduced to visual facilitation. Looking back, that course fundamentally changed how I facilitate meetings, workshops, and learning experiences. It taught me that people understand more deeply when they can see ideas as well as hear them.
More recently, I became a certified HubSpot Trainer. Once again, I found myself learning from a world-class organization. This time the focus expanded into virtual learning, online facilitation, learner engagement, and creating effective digital training experiences.
So when I enrolled in bikablo® Train the Trainer, my expectations were high.
This was my fourth Train the Trainer program, and after completing several bikablo® courses already, I knew the standard would be exceptional.
It didn't disappoint.
As expected, the course was practical, interactive, visual, and incredibly engaging.
But what surprised me most wasn't another drawing technique or facilitation exercise.
It was a simple phrase.
The Transparent Trainer
What is a Transparent Trainer?
A transparent trainer doesn't simply teach the content.
They teach the thinking behind the content.
They explain why they chose a particular activity.
They tell participants what they're trying to achieve.
They share why a certain question was asked.
They even explain why something didn't go exactly as planned.
Rather than hiding the mechanics of great facilitation, they intentionally make them visible.
In other words, they teach two lessons at once.
The subject matter.
And the craft of teaching itself.
I Realized I've Been Doing This for Years
The funny thing is...
The concept immediately felt familiar.
Not because I'd heard the term before.
Because it already felt natural.
Whenever I facilitate a workshop, I often catch myself saying things like:
"I'm asking you to work in pairs because..."
"You'll notice I'm drawing this rather than writing a list because..."
"I'm going to leave a few moments of silence here..."
Those aren't side comments.
They're part of the learning.
Participants aren't just learning the topic.
They're learning how learning is being designed.
As a trainer, I've always believed people appreciate understanding the reason behind an activity. The bikablo® course simply gave that approach a name.
It also made me realize that transparency doesn't diminish the experience—it enhances it.
I've never worried that if I explained why I was doing something, participants would somehow become less engaged. In fact, I've found the opposite to be true. People appreciate being invited into the process. They become partners in the learning rather than passive recipients of information.
Why It Matters
I think transparent trainers create more confident learners.
When people understand why an activity matters, they're more willing to participate.
When they understand why visuals are being used, they stop worrying about whether they can draw.
When they understand why you're asking a question, they engage more thoughtfully.
Transparency builds trust.
It also builds capability.
Because many participants won't simply use what they've learned.
One day, they'll teach it to someone else.
And when you've modelled not only what to do but why it works, you've given them the confidence to adapt those ideas in their own way.
A Lesson I'll Carry Forward
Every Train the Trainer program I've attended has left me with something valuable.
Disney taught me about creating memorable learning experiences.
Allison introduced me to visual facilitation.
HubSpot helped me rethink online learning.
And bikablo® reminded me that one of the greatest gifts a trainer can give is to make their thinking visible.
Not just what they're teaching.
But why they're teaching it that way.
Ironically, a method built around making ideas visible also taught me to make my teaching visible.
That may be one of the most valuable lessons of all.
A Question for Every Trainer
Whether you teach every day or only occasionally, here's a question worth asking yourself:
How transparent are you as a trainer?
The next time you're leading a meeting, workshop, presentation, or coaching session, pause for a moment and reflect:
- Have I explained why I'm asking people to do this activity?
- Have I shared the thinking behind my approach?
- Am I teaching the content... or am I also helping people understand the process?
Sometimes the most valuable lesson isn't the one on the agenda.
It's giving people a window into how great learning experiences are created.
Because when we make our thinking visible, we don't just help people learn.
We help them become better communicators, facilitators, and teachers themselves.
