Job instruction: Four steps to success

The four steps of job instruction training are prepare, present, try out, and follow up. Preparation by the supervisor or instructor is for motivation of the employee or trainee. This involves empathy, assurance that nothing will be expected that can't be learned with reasonable effort, and encouragement of questions. Presentation on how a task is accomplished includes telling, showing, demonstrating, and explaining the sequence and steps so the trainee understands the job. Trying out provides learning by doing with reinforcement or correction by immediate and precise feedback. Following up gets the trainee flying solo through frequent examination of progress at first, gradually tapering off. An important aspect of job training is to convey a sincere desire not to judge but to help the trainee succeed.