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Achieving high levels of performance as a training instructor by modelling motor sport driving instructors

Sue Stockdale (Leadership specialist based in Swindon, UK)

Industrial and Commercial Training

ISSN: 0019-7858

Article publication date: 2 September 2013

321

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what training professionals can learn from motor sport driving instructors by modelling how they provide instruction to novices in high-performance vehicles during experience days at Silverstone Race Circuit, England.

Design/methodology/approach

Using neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) modelling techniques, three instructors were interviewed about how they provide effective instruction. The results highlight their cognitive and behavioural patterns that enable them to achieve high levels of performance in a high-risk environment.

Findings

The results highlighted how instructors are highly effective in being able to put a novice driver at ease prior to driving; and in communicating effectively with the novice driver in-car whilst on the circuit, so that they achieve more than they imagined was possible.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst the researcher had the opportunity to experience being driven around a race circuit with one of the instructors to get a sense of the environment being described, there was not the chance to observe the instructor “in action” with novice drivers at the wheel.

Practical implications

The key implication is the importance of the pre-event stage of a training course that provides the opportunity for an instructor to gauge the learners and build trust.

Originality/value

This paper provides originality in how it explores the cognitive and behavioural aspects of delivering instruction in an environment that can be translated into the workplace.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Clive Steeper and the motor sport instructing staff at Silverstone Circuit for their help in this research.

Citation

Stockdale, S. (2013), "Achieving high levels of performance as a training instructor by modelling motor sport driving instructors", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 45 No. 6, pp. 320-329. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT-02-2013-0013

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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