Perspectives
Checking the Ski Conditions - Creating a Fresh Learning Climate
by Carol Glynn
On a recent trip to Colorado, I was
immersed in the clear, cold beauty of the surrounding mountains. It is always
great to visit new places - what a learning experience.
The mind is open and ready, and the common, ordinary daily stresses and
distractions are a distant shadow. How
can we create the same experience for our learners?
Sometimes, we only need something as
simple as a striking visual, a short captivating story or a dose of humor.
Helping our learners shift their minds away from the drab ordinary
details of the day. We have to
capture their attention, engage their focus and lead them on a guided journey.
Learning should be like a breath of
fresh air, rather than stale recycling of the “same old same old”.
This can be particularly challenging when delivering dry content.
All experienced learning
professionals find themselves on a plateau at times, delivering the same
familiar program or message over and over.
We have to challenge ourselves to make it fresh and new in a way that
fits our style and audience. Next
time you have to deliver a program for the umpteenth time, think about adding
one fresh idea. Your audience
will appreciate the change in scenery.
Enjoy the slopes!!
The 3M’s of Training:
Motivation - readiness to learn,
attitude, preparation and planning
Mind – engaging the senses,
finding focus, providing clarity and comprehension
Mapping – application to reality,
prioritizing, helping learners understand “what’s in it for me”
About the Author: Carol Glynn, Dallas ASTD's President-Elect, works for Fireman's Fund, a national property and casualty insurer, as a Training Specialist for the Specialty division. She has been a national ASTD member since 1998.