Showing is not teaching
In my experience, when new staff members are taught how to use their AMS (or LMS, CMS, FMS, etc.) they aren't really taught how to use the system, they are shown how to use it. So what's the difference?
In a nutshell, showing only covers the "how" and "what." But teaching also covers the "why." It provides context.
So rather than just pointing and saying "click these buttons to process a new member," we also explain why each button is pushed, what happens with each change of data, and how the data is then used going forward.
This is important for many reasons, not the least of which that it helps with retention. It also gives the learner an opportunity to ask "why" questions that might actually lead to improvements in process!
So next time you have to "train," staff, make sure you're not just showing, but that you're actually teaching.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Dashboards for Data Integrity
Dashboards for Data Integrity I’ve written a bunch on data integrity reports. (Click here for […]
Next-to-Nothing Goals
Next-to-Nothing Goals I saw a Ted Talk by Christine Carter recently discussing the concept of […]
Just because you can…
Just because you can… In response to a recent Wednesday Wisdom on averages hiding the […]
Always ask “Why?”
Always ask “Why?” Little kids ask “Why?” all the time, because they are sponges for […]
Averages hide the extremes
Averages hide the extremes I can’t remember where I first heard it, but “averages hide […]
Look up PARTIAL names!
Look up PARTIAL names! Train your staff to do look ups on partial names, not full […]
Not Just Technology
Not Just Technology There was recently a discussion on the ASAE online community about project management […]
Consider quitting
Consider quitting Patient: “Doctor, it hurts when I do this.” Doctor: “Then stop doing that.” […]
There is nothing so permanent as business rules
There is nothing so permanent as business rules Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman said, “There’s nothing […]
Budget for feature discovery and adoption
Budget for feature discovery and adoption When developing a budget for implementation of a new […]