What’s the secret sauce that top L&D companies always add to their designs that get them the awards, the proof-in-the-pudding metrics, the accolades, and the contracts? What is it that is putting some pros on the map while others fall obsolete? Here are the three skills that you can find in truly great companies—and the skills you need to adopt to join them.
1. They put themselves into the learner’s shoes
Amazing learning and development pros hear their client, hear the SME, and are able to create a bigger picture design that includes the needs and wants of all parties—including that of the person who the training is designed for. As instructional designers, it’s our job to protect the learner from the process, and give them something that will be surprisingly delightful, compelling. Most importantly, we must be a catalyst for change either in expansion of knowledge, behavior remediation/addition, or mindset shift.
2. They don’t add unnecessary information or interactions
As the champion for the learner, the best of the best learning pros break down the change that’s desired, and maintain that vision throughout the entirety of the design—ensuring that each interaction, factoid, practice activity has a purpose that connects back to that vision. They collaborate to align around this vision with the entire team.
3. They let them practice in real life, applicable scenarios
It’s essential to connect back to the vision of how each training is intended to create change. Exceptional L&D pros ensure that their learners are allowed to safely practice scenarios, case studies, and simulations that accurately reflect their real experiences in order to successfully bridge the gap between information and application.
We don’t want to brag but…we slay all three of these. Reach out to work with us.
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