Yes, size matters when running trainings…

Size matters

The size of a live group and/or online group makes a huge difference to the outcome and dynamics of a training. I’ve seen some really crazy attempts to run trainings, where the trainer hasn’t really considered how the numbers of people can really make for a different learning experience. Here are some thoughts on this matter.

The NLP mega and micro trainings that make no sense to me

When I used to run NLP trainings and assist on NLP trainings, I came across some truly crazy examples for this. I assisted with one major training in London, where on day one, there were 600 attendees. It was complete chaos when 600 people tried to work in small groups, and so well-meaning assistants darted around the room trying to minimise the confusion. By day two, over 70 people had voted with their feet, never to return!

The same training institute sanctioned a training where a new NLP trainer ran a master practitioner with just two attendees, his wife and her sister. This is a whole new level of crazy, but not unexpected when there’s no real emphasis on education and in my view its mostly about bums on seats and generating income. In recent years, I have seen NLP trainings online with tiny numbers of people often displayed on social media, clutching their new certificates, hoping to leave their day jobs to start a new career as a coach or therapist. Of course, few actually make a living from such training in the real world.

PCW training considerations

I’ve been running PCW trainings for almost 20 years and have learned some hard lessons. There are some countries in Europe that I now won’t entertain for a variety of reasons. Such reasons include terrible organisation by hosts, delusional expectations and really poor communication skills! Fortunately, there are great counter examples, such as Japan, where I have run over 25 trainings, all excellent and regular online trainings in recent years, which have attracted a much more motivated and skilled audience.

For online training, I insist on minimum numbers. This is for the group dynamic, but also to make the numbers work financially. For every hour of training, there’s at least the same amount of time planning. I’m not a fan of the “just send me the video” characters, as in most instances, they don’t/can’t engage with others to learn and develop skills. From August I’m running some specialist advanced PCW trainings that will only be offered to existing students. These are small groups with a minimun of eight attendees. In contrast in 2025 I have already run two PCW prac trainings online with 50+ attendees and a live training in Valencia with 110 live attendees.