A few months ago I wrote a series on LinkedIn about an observation - that training is a service, like pizza delivery (you can those articles here and here) - but that sometimes, both the delivery people (trainers) and delivery recipients (students / participants) maybe weren't handling that service super well. As a final installment, I thought I'd put some thought to how to really use training. So let's start with scissors.
There are some award winning, amazing scissors out there - they cost a fortune. Diamond laser-tuned blades, ergonomics designed by artificial intelligence ...so cool!!! But they are specifically for hair cutting.
I'm sure barbers and hair professionals weep to see me using a pair to cut up old boxes, my daughters science projects, and sometimes as a screwdriver or pry bar…
Now, most of us in this community are Knowledge Workers, which in turn means that we are Learning Professionals. And that means one of the most crucial tools we have is training, and sometimes I weep to see you misusing it. Doesn't it just make sense to learn the best way to use the most important and fundamental tool in our arsenal for learning?
Training classes have some characteristics that can make them powerful:
- fixed duration (a beginning and end)
- (somewhat) fixed content (based on objectives, audience, etc)
- scaled delivery (multiple people getting the same fundamental information)
Now, it's probably no surprise we have amazing, award winning, impactful, multi-modal and certifiable training. Our classes (and trainers, and curriculum designers) can deliver a broad content of objectives to a large number of people in a fixed timeframe. AND this is GOOD!!!! Highly tuned, just like those scissors.
But I wouldn't use scissors to fix a flat tire. And a (single) training class is not necessarily the best tool for:
- Very specific, unique, extensive individualized use cases (think consulting)
- Perpetual ongoing learning and deeper research (think the wiki, the doc, but also the podcasts - you know we have podcasts right?, and videos? And, perhaps most important, a learning library for self directed, ongoing learning?)
- Completely uncharted invention and innovation (think collaboration through our Community, Physical Meetups, Hackathons and more)
This does NOT mean a class should be "nothing but the book" with no discussions, questions, or experimentation. Educators and pedagogues jump up and down about these. Our trainers each bring their own experiences, stories, examples, and outside expertise with every class, and our classes have pioneered some of the most innovative ways to inspire collaboration and participation. It DOES mean that trying to wring things from a class that are far outside the objectives is liable to be a less good use of your time.
If I asked the pizza delivery person (PizzaProfessional?) to help me make italian wedding soup - because you know, pizza and wedding soup are both itallian, you'd think I was nuts - and I'd be in worse trouble if they actually tried. It's a horrible use of a good resource.
However - if I asked my PizzaPro about any other dish she's delivered - how're those garlic knots? The wings any good? Or the quickest way to just about any local neighborhood or place - she's got the inside track.
AND that's how you can best use your class (and trainer). In Addition to the specific content, tested examples, real world experiences and crafted opportunities for collaboration (instead of just banging your heads together on your own), your trainer has studied and researched and networked. They are the expert in the resources, and beyond the class stuff, they can help you find the best options for ongoing learning - and they are developing other learning tools like a proverbial smorgasbord - a Library of ongoing training that they can help you navigate for your individual needs and interests.
They probably know the fastest "route" through the documentation, the best (hottest) videos and classes and sub-communities - and they can show you how to get to them faster.
Getting a theme here? You see, the training course is just one tool - but like the bottom rung on a ladder it's a tool that should be able to help you better reach all of the other tools more effectively. And if a trainer (or class) is providing a good service, they will help steer you toward these other resources to extend your learning.
So, next time, get the most of your pizza pro by asking them for the hot tips about routes, traffic, and good food. And use your trainer for extra value by maybe having them steer you towards the best resources for your ongoing learning.
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