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

Do you really need all that historical data?

March 5, 2025

Do you really need all that historical data? A question I’ll often get from my […]

AI actually requires thinking

February 26, 2025

AI actually requires thinking “I don’t think AI introduces a new kind of thinking. It […]

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond

February 19, 2025

It’s not the mistakes, but how you respond Recently a client was complaining about a bug that […]

The hidden costs of bad data

February 12, 2025

The hidden costs of bad data Nobody likes bad data, and presumably we’re all working […]

Don’t let your customers edit their names online!

February 5, 2025

Don’t let your customers edit their names online! This issue came up recently and I […]

Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern.

January 29, 2025

Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern. We’ve probably all […]

“Every association does this.”

January 22, 2025

“Every association does this.” One of the most significant values I bring to my clients […]

Trust your gut

January 15, 2025

Trust your gut When I help associations with selection of a new technology system (e.g., […]

“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.”

January 8, 2025

“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.” “People more frequently require to be […]

Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life

December 18, 2024

Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life “Problems without solutions are […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.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

Scroll to Top