PremierAgile

Introduction

In our most recent one-on-one mentoring session, Suresh Konduru, PremierAgile’s lead Coach and Mentor, met with Ajay, a Scrum Master at a large global services company who has been working hard in the field and wants to advance his career by becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer. 

This mentoring session provided valuable insights and practical tips on how to traverse the tough but rewarding route of becoming a professional trainer. 

Here is an extensive summary of the important points covered throughout the session.

Setting the Stage

Ajay began by discussing his present career situation. He has actively trained over 500 people on Scrum techniques and has successfully helped many of them become certified. 

His enthusiasm for teaching and hands-on expertise with Scrum were clear. However, Ajay's objective is to formalize his work as a trainer and obtain certification in order to increase his impact.

Career Aspirations and Goals

Ajay mentioned his ambition to become a Certified Scrum Trainer and asked Suresh for advice on where to start. 

Suresh described numerous certification options, including Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) with Scrum Alliance, Professional Scrum Trainer (PST) with Scrum.org, and additional specialty certifications in SAFe and Kanban.

Focusing on Specialization

Suresh highlighted the significance of maintaining focus and be detail oriented. He told Ajay to discover his abilities and pursue a specific route. For example, learning Scrum and related teaching approaches should be a top priority. 

Suresh emphasized the need of building a solid foundation in Scrum concepts and constantly refining teaching methodologies.

Mastering Teaching Techniques

Suresh suggested that Ajay master a variety of delivery modalities other than traditional PowerPoint presentations in order to be an excellent trainer.

Interactive sessions, gamification, and the use of real-life tales can all help trainees learn more effectively.

One of the noteworthy advices was to look into "Training from the Back of the Room" (TBR). Suresh highlighted his own journey to becoming India's first TBR-certified trainer and how this strategy changed his training approach. 

He encouraged Ajay to find out about TBR and consider attending a course to broaden his teaching methods.

Building a Unique Training Style

Suresh emphasized that a competent trainer is recognized not only by their knowledge but also by their individual teaching style. 

He shared anecdotes from his own journey, such as the impact of storytelling and using personal experiences to connect with trainees. This approach helps in making complex concepts more relatable and understandable.

Overcoming Challenges

Suresh honestly highlighted the challenges of the training profession. He discussed the competitive landscape and the importance of constant improvement and networking. 

He told a personal narrative about the value of adaptability and the courage to invest in oneself, even if it meant making substantial sacrifices.

Practical Steps and Roadmap

Suresh advised Ajay to create a roadmap with clear, achievable milestones. This plan should include:

1. Research and Select Certification: Choose a certification path that aligns with his career goals.

2. Develop Teaching Skills: Invest time in learning and practicing various teaching methodologies.

3. Gain Experience: Continue training within his organization to build a robust portfolio.

4. Network and Seek Mentorship: Engage with the Scrum community and seek mentorship from experienced trainers.

Conclusion

The discussion ended with Ajay reflecting on the enormous value he gained from Suresh's views. He enjoyed the emphasis on passion over monetary gain and resolved to focus on his abilities and improve his delivery methods. 

Ajay emphasized his desire to implement the information into his career planning and looked forward to future mentorship sessions.

Final Thoughts

Suresh's mentorship session with Ajay provides a helpful model for anyone interested in becoming a Scrum Trainer. The path necessitates a combination of commitment, ongoing learning, and strategic preparation. 

Aspiring trainers can achieve success and have a large impact in the Scrum community by focusing on specialization, mastering multiple teaching approaches, and being true to their passion.