Showing is not teaching

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

Is a 360 degree view necessary?

July 30, 2025

Is a 360 degree view necessary? “A 360 degree view of our members should NOT […]

Why data matters

July 23, 2025

Why data matters I write about data because managing our data effectively will help us […]

It’s about process

July 16, 2025

It’s about process I’m in the midst of adding an AI agent to my website […]

Data integrity reports

July 9, 2025

Data integrity reports I speak and write a lot about data integrity reports. So I […]

The most important training tip

June 25, 2025

The most important training tip I’ve been sitting in a lot of database training sessions […]

Be careful about getting tangled

June 18, 2025

Be careful about getting tangled “We had done a lot to tangle ourselves up.” – […]

Discipline. Always discipline.

June 11, 2025

Discipline. Always discipline. I’ve been producing a newsletter in some form for over 25 years […]

Simpler is better

June 4, 2025

Simpler is better Recently, a client of mine was discussing how they manage membership reinstatements. […]

Baby steps

May 28, 2025

Baby Steps A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You have […]

Sometimes what you’re using IS the best option

May 21, 2025

Sometimes what you’re using IS the best option I love technology and I’m inherently lazy, […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top