The science of training development includes powerful approaches such as adult learning theory, data-driven needs assessments, and measurable outcomes to ensure information is effectively absorbed and retained.
The art involves the work to build engaging, creative, and empathetic learning experiences that inspire behavioral change.
And then there’s opportunity.
In a world full of readily accessible content on any imaginable topic When anyone can Google a quick fix or watch a 90-second TikTok tutorial to solve a problem, the traditional, monolithic approach to training can feel ancient and struggling to remain relevant.
It’s important to remember that information is not education no matter the venue or delivery. There is a great gulf between accessing information and acquiring a skill at a specified degree of competence.
On-demand content is great for performance support. However, it fails miserably at building complex, behavioral competencies (e.g., “How do I build a better workplace through stronger relationship?” Thoughtful design, mind the science and art, is what bridges the gap between knowing a fact and mastering a behavior.
Curation Over Creation
In the past, training developers were primarily content creators. Today, the heaviest lift is in curation and access. Because learners are drowning in an ocean of information, the modern training design acts as a filter, organizing chaos into learning paths so employees don’t waste time on irrelevant content.
Training design certainly isn’t irrelevant, but existing delivery architectures are. The training of the future is not about rigid, pre-described presentations and paths, but about creating a “vetted, nimble stream of experience” that addresses workplace behavior in real time.
To this extent, the Mandt System continues at the forefront of deescalation training. We have always strived to make our program more context-centric than content-centric.
In this way, emerging training will be “Just In Time,” or “Just For Me,” but certainly not “Check The Box Just In Case” as is so frequently the case.
At the Mandt System, we are presently taking the early steps towards conceptualizing and designing Mandt 4.0 in the next few years.
Stay tuned as we continue to expand and change the context in which and the training model we all implement and train within.
Ralph Metzner – Chief Innovation Officer
