Training consultants play a significant role in helping organizations design and implement effective training programs that improve employee skills, boost productivity and drive business success. Whether working as an independent contractor or as part of a consulting firm, they bring expertise to a variety of training needs, such as instruction and facilitation, learning management system (LMS) administration, learner support and custom content development.
Given their critical role in helping organizations achieve business objectives, it’s essential for training consultants to possess the right skills to deliver reliable, impactful solutions. This article examines seven essential qualities that every training consultant should develop to excel in their role.
7 Core Qualities of a Training Consultant
Here are seven core qualities every training consultant must have to be successful in their role:
1. Marketing skills.
A huge part of being a training consultant is to market yourself and identify your brand, says Jen Recla, the founder of Recla Coaching and Consulting. Training consultants must highlight their business’s significant value and the skills that set them apart from the competition.
“Marketing and selling are really important skills that we don’t all naturally have,” Recla shares. Half of a training consultant’s job is marketing and sales, including generating new leads, building client relationships, crafting compelling messages that pull people in and creating a sales pitch.
In the article, “Think Like a Marketer: Marketing Strategies for L&D,” Kim Davis, CPTM, senior manager of comprehensive and innovative faculty development programs at the American College of Surgeons and an instructor for Training Industry’s Managing Remote Learning Workshop, says that “it’s kind of like creating a product and never marketing it … if you’re not going to market it, then nobody’s going to consume it.”
2. Analytical and assessment skills.
Data analytic skills are essential for training consultants to assess skills gaps, identify training needs and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. Demonstrating these skills is crucial to building credibility and showcasing competency. Paul Leone, Ph.D., founder and principal consultant of MeasureUp Consulting and an instructor for Training Industry’s Measuring the Impact of L&D Certificate, emphasizes the importance of not only collecting data but also using it effectively.
“It’s not just collecting data — it’s about using the data to show there was a journey with clear success milestones along the way,” Dr. Leone explains. “You have to break it down to a few simple questions: Did they like it? Did they learn anything? Did they change their behavior? Did those behaviors impact the business? And lastly, did the business impact offset the cost of training?” With this data, training consultants can create visuals and use storytelling to deliver results in a way that resonates with clients.
Dr. Leone also prioritizes inclusivity during the assessment process, ensuring that all voices within an organization are heard, regardless of role or level. “I proactively get many different and diverse voices into the conversation,” he shares. Everyone has a unique vision of what’s needed to enhance performance.”
Kelly Rider, a learning strategist, highlights the value of using assessment tools such as employee engagement surveys, manager feedback and data from human resources business partner (HRBP). She also advocates for cross-departmental collaboration when analyzing data, “If people analytics or data scientists are available, they can add a lot of great insight.”
3. Project management and organizational skills.
A training consultant needs project management and organizational skills to plan, execute and oversee effective learning initiatives within specific timelines and budgets. These skills can allow them to manage multiple training projects, align resources and coordinate with stakeholders efficiently. Recla suggests setting time aside for planning and preparation, because it creates structure and helps map out the process. Effectiveness of these skills is reliant on consistent practice. Block some time on your calendar once a week as a reminder.
4. Empathy and emotional intelligence.
Empathy and emotional intelligence (EI) are essential for building and sustaining strong client relationships. Since training consultants depend on repeat business, it’s important to handle client pushback with care. This means understanding the client’s emotions, actively listening to their concerns and addressing their needs without dismissing their feedback or relying solely on past experiences.
Empathy and EI are especially valuable when navigating crucial conversations. According to Recla, a key part of the training process involves addressing uncomfortable truths, such as aligning what the customer thinks they need with what you know will be a better solution. These skills are essential when managing difficult discussions with sensitivity and building trust throughout the process.
5. Technological proficiency.
In addition to skills development and training, organizations may also hire a training consultant for learning management system (LMS) support, technology integration and/or eLearning implementation. Technological proficiency is essential for establishing credibility with clients and expanding your business portfolio. For instance, Dr. Leone has learned to incorporate more technology into training sessions, leveraging tools available on platforms like Zoom. Staying tech-savvy enables consultants to meet modern workplace demands effectively.
6. Strong communication skills.
Effective communication skills are essential for training consultants to understand stakeholders’ unique needs and align training programs for maximum impact. Active listening, in particular, allows consultants to uncover challenges, goals and expectations, enabling them to tailor solutions effectively. As Rider explains, “Training consultants need to have excellent active listening skills and the ability to ask insightful questions to get to the root cause of the learning solution.”
Dr. Leone also emphasizes the importance of active listening. “Sometimes clients don’t know what they want, so you can’t just be an order taker. You have to probe for their underlying needs and find out why and what they’re really looking for.” This way, you can customize your approach to solve the client’s specific challenges.
Another important communication skill is the ability to speak your stakeholder’s “language” to improve understanding and build stronger connections. Rider highlights the importance of avoiding confusing “HR speak” to ensure clarity and foster better rapport with clients.
7. Adaptability and flexibility.
Training consultants must be prepared to respond effectively to changing client needs and unexpected challenges. This flexibility allows them to tailor training programs to diverse audiences and adjust strategies as new information or priorities emerge. It may also involve refining or refreshing training program to meet expectations. Rider says that training programs should never be “gold-plated,” but instead remain agile and adaptable to changes. By embracing flexibility, training consultants demonstrate their commitment to meeting their clients’ unique goals and expectations.
A growth mindset is another essential quality for training consultants. Recla emphasizes the importance of experimentation and trying new things. “You’re going to have such a variety of customers, clients and maybe even different industries that you’re working in. Openness to taking risks and looking at those failures as opportunities to grow and learn is a really important component.”
Dr. Leone shares an example of being adaptable during a training session. “During one of my trainings, I heard the feedback loud and clear that learners wanted more in-depth real-life examples of how the concepts could be applied in real cases within their businesses. I quickly went from lecture mode to asking for real scenarios and projects they were working on where the concepts could be applied.” This responsiveness underscores the value of staying flexible to meet learners’ needs in real time.
Wrapping Up
Training consultants are valuable assets to organizations, playing a key role in helping them achieve their long-term goals. Given the responsibility they carry, it’s essential for training consultants to develop the skills needed not only to build partnerships and create opportunities but also to sustain their own business success.
