Many of you have recently taken advantage of our free on-demand ServiceNow Fundamentals promotion and gained foundational strength and knowledge to build upon. Now, you may be wondering, what’s next? In the latest issue of LEADERS magazine, @BillMcDermott said, “Once you identify your Winners Dream, visualize exactly how to get there. Engage in activities to put yourself in a position to win. If not you, who? If not now, when?” So I ask, what goals have you set for yourself? What inspires you to get up and get moving in that direction and how will you get there? What options do you have?
When I ask those questions about my ServiceNow training goals, it helps to consider what I’ve learned about myself in another area: exercise.
I won’t lie, motivation to exercise is something I wish came more easily to me. I mean, I should want to do it, for all the reasons we’re all too familiar with. For me though, I’ve come to the realization that accountability is key. The fact that I’ve paid for a class and am now accountable to show up makes the investment worth it. And let me be clear — it’s not showing up to something virtual. Nope, I need to be there.
What in the world does this have to do with ServiceNow training, you might ask? Here at ServiceNow we offer all sorts of training modalities on Now Learning, and it’s up to you and your team to decide what motivates each learner. Let’s explore a few options:
On–demand: Now listen, I’ve tried doing yoga on-demand, more times than I care to admit. I like to think I’ll get up at 7 AM to start my day this way, but life happens, especially with a 4-year-old. Before I know it, my morning is gone and so is that quiet window of time when I was hoping to ‘fit it in’. There are a lot of benefits to our on-demand training, like flexibility to fit it into your schedule and complete it at your own pace, for example. But remember, this can sometimes become the very thing that hinders you as well. Be sure you’ve got time carved out and committed to complete it fully, and hey – workout buddies are highly recommended! Get a group together and form a cohort to discuss the course, and perhaps prepare for the upcoming certification. ‘Workout’ buddies are great, because they help with that accountability that some of us need (ahem).
Instructor-led: Ahh, the sweet spot for me. Once I’ve signed up for a class, now I’m accountable to the instructor, myself, and to my classmates. This makes me know I’ve got to go, even on those days when I’m exhausted and couldn’t possibly fit it in. It’s the motivation I need to get my shoes on and get out the door. It just works for me! In training, we find many students are this way, as well. It gives them the ‘permission’ they need to turn off their phones and email and focus on what they need to be doing in training, rather than all that multi-tasking that gets in the way of the focus and commitment that we truly owe ourselves. Another nice thing is the finite term of it all. There’s a set beginning and end date, and we know that by attending this class, it’s complete, and not lingering out there, nagging our brains…I’ve got to get that done…got to get to that online yoga class. You know what I’m talking about!
Private classes: This is something I can really appreciate. I’ll never forget the private Pilates Reformer class I invested in. I learned so much more because of the time the instructor dedicated to me alone, answering my specific questions and having my form monitored and adjusted along the way. This is where customers can really accelerate their ServiceNow learning experience, as well. Did you know that our Instructor-Led Training (ILT) courses are also offered as a private option? If you’ve got 8 students who are looking to take the same public ILT course, that’s when it makes a lot of sense to look into a private class, as you pay for 8 but can have up to 16 learners. The course curriculum is the same as our public course, keeping you on track with everyone who completes it. But in this scenario, you get to tap into cohort-style learning made up of just your team members and your dedicated ServiceNow expert. You can ask questions and bring in context that is more specific to your organization. It’s an experience to remember for all involved!
Certification: What an accomplishment! Another area where it makes sense for me to scream it from the rooftops! If I’m running a 5k, 10k, or biking in a 50-mile ride, I’ve GOT to tell someone, anyone, as many people as I possibly can, to make it real and put it out into the world. This circles back to accountability – making me stick to my training schedule and ensuring that when that day comes, I’ll be able to show up the way I want to, and not fall on my face. Accomplishment not only feels good, but it’s a sense of pride, knowing that all the hard work and dedication you’ve prioritized is recognized. Certification can be your ServiceNow accomplishment. It shows you, your peers, and the greater community that you’ve mastered the skills and essential knowledge of a particular area on the Now Platform. We’ve got to be champions of our own success, and do like Bill said, “Dream even bigger than ever before. Then, execute on the details each and every day”.
Learning is a form of exercise, and like all muscles, it pays to keep working, long after the race is done. Continuing to build your ServiceNow knowledge on top of what you’ve worked so hard to achieve not only keeps that muscle toned, but pushes you to reach the next level of your success. So again, I ask, what’s next? Perhaps you’re preparing to sit for your Certified System Administration exam, or didn’t intend to, but now you’re thinking, yes I will! Might I suggest taking a peek at one of our new courses, ServiceNow Administration Advanced? Whatever goal you set your eye on, continuous ServiceNow skill development is crucial in keeping your expertise sharp.
Now, get out there and stretch yourself! And remember, we’re here on the sidelines, cheering you on, ready with a course map and a high five anytime you need it!
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The Ask a Training Expert blog series is published monthly by members of the ServiceNow Training Solution Consulting team. For more information about ServiceNow Training and Certification, visit our website. Please comment on this article to see your question featured in upcoming blogs.
