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
AI is perpetually patient
AI is perpetually patient My friend and colleague Noel Shatananda of fusionSpan was providing me some […]
User adoption is (almost) all that matters…
User adoption is (almost) all that matters… I was speaking with an association recently about their […]
When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming
When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming There is a common belief in project management and general business management that overcommunicating […]
Communicating when there is a major technology change
Communicating when there is a major technology change For those of you who are ASAE […]
Everything works, until it doesn’t.
Everything works, until it doesn’t. “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” – […]
Some things are unknowable
Some things are unknowable One of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new […]
Do we have access to that data?
Do we have access to that data? When I work with my clients on a […]
The three “buckets” of contact data
The three “buckets” of contact data Broadly speaking, when collecting data on contacts (individuals or organizations), […]
Balancing what is possible with what is realistic
Balancing what is possible with what is realistic When I work with clients on technology […]
“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.”
“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” “Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” – […]
