Don't Get Locked to the Lectern!

Did you know that in most western countries, the public education system of the last century was modeled on the Prussian education system that was originally intended to create a servile labor force that rewarded conformity among the masses and empowered only a handful of elite? The boring lecture-style of teaching dulled critical thinking skills and produced a compliant worker-class of mediocre intellect, smart enough to perform the task, but not challenged enough to rise above it.

America's deep roots of rugged individualism and Yankee ingenuity ameliorated some of the effects, but such a factory system of education has still left its mark. Many believe the compulsory Prussian system of education has weakened competition and restricted the ability to innovate. You may not be able to resolve the entrenched woes of the education system, but you don't have to repeat some of its more grievous errors in your business. Does your training make engaged employees, or servile laborers?

Employee training ought to do more than impart knowledge, it ought to motivate as well. Learning ought to be a stimulating adventure, not boring or seemingly pointless to the student. It your current system for employee training isn't working, then scrap it. If your employees think a workshop is a 'been-there done-that' time waster, it probably will be.

If it is time to take another look at employee training, consider some of these approaches:

Timely Instruction – Business trends are fluid, sometimes volatile, and they don't wait for the annual training day on your calendar. In so far as possible, stay flexible and train as the need arises. People are more engaged in learning when they see a need for it.

Substance over Style – Your employees won't be happily hoodwinked by snazzy gimmickry if the nuts and bolts are not there to back it up. For example, if a lecture is ineffective to begin with, adding PowerPoint color and graphics won't improve it. That can actually be even less intellectually effective because you don't even have to think to make your own notes!

Hands-On Opportunities – Used car salesmen know the motivational value of a test drive. Likewise, 3D learning experiences are more motivational than having a concept explained to you by a spokesperson who dresses better than you do. Let your employees experience hands-on mentoring.

Delight-led Learning – some of your employees may have natural talents and proclivities that are better suited for a different department. Perhaps a mediocre employee who is stuck in a cubicle all day would flourish as your delivery driver when they are out and about meeting customers.

Don't make your employees endure boring, mind-numbing training sessions when they can be inspired with liberating learning experiences.