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

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.