How To Accelerate Training And Learning

When was the last time you asked something like “How can we accelerate the training and learning of our people on this project?” Many of our clients want to know how they can accelerate the training and learning of their people—better, faster, cheaper—as always. Clients that apply The 5 D’s Fast Training Model often discover a new source of competitive advantage; for example, one client in the software development business now claims accelerated learning and training as their core distinctive competence as a result of applying The 5 D’s. So how do you do it? Start by demonstrating exactly what you want your people to do. People learn best when someone shows them rather than just tells them how to do some­thing. Here are the “show, don’t tell” steps of The 5 D’s Fast Training Model to accelerate training and learning:

1. Describe It.
2. Demonstrate It.
3. Do It.
4. Debrief It.
5. Do It Again, but better!

For example, let’s say you want to accelerate the training and learning of the people in your Expectations Chain on how to better coach others when they’re not delivering the needed results. First, describe how to do it by using an actual situation that occurred in their work. Second, demonstrate how YOU do it by role-playing a conversation you’ve had with someone in a similar situation. Third, encourage them to do it by engaging in a conversation similar to the one you suggested as soon as possible. Fourth, have them report back on how it went so that you can provide appreciative and constructive feedback to help them do it even better next time. Fifth, ask them to continue applying what they have learned while you continue to monitor their progress. Repeat the cycle until the learning has turned into real competence.

This sort of modeling provides effective and accelerated on-the-job training that often cannot be delivered any other way. Model the behavior and skills you want the people in your Expectations Chain to learn and master. It works in even the most complex and technical work environments. For more information on accelerating the training and learning in your organization, we invite you to join the Accountability Community where you can review actual client case studies.

The 5 D’s Fast Training Model, Expectations Chain, and Accountability Community are all registered trademarks of Partners In Leadership, Inc.