It’s so interesting to me that themes seem to appear over a number of weeks. It’s like the Universe gives us a nudge and says “Pay Attention”.
A couple of weeks ago I was interviewing team members and reviewing systems and processes for a client. A couple of the team members mentioned the importance of taking notes when being trained and when training people.
I agree and I also know that organisations have options for documenting procedures so employees can continue to refer to them.
By documenting, I mean recording the information in a format that suits the business, the workers and the process. It doesn’t always have to be a written procedure. It can be a video or audio recording, a checklist, a diagram or a workflow as examples.
As I lay on the bed this week, listening to the doctor train the nurse in how to administer laser treatment to my face (which felt like someone flicking me in the face numerous times with their fingers), I couldn’t help but share some tips.
The nurse didn’t appear to be taking any notes.
The doctor was sharing complex and detailed information about the settings on the machine and how to apply it to my face.
“Are you familiar with Loom.com?” I asked, doing my best to take my mind off my discomfort.
“No, what’s that they asked.”
“It’s a screen capture program that can be downloaded to your phone and you can video your training and then share the link with people so they can watch it over and over again”, I replied. It would be really helpful for you to be recording your training now so that you and others can refer to it again and again.
They seemed interested, however they didn’t take note of the application. I’m trusting they have a good memory.
“You need a Gmail account and Chrome browser”, I continued.
“And you can then get it transcribed using Otter.ai.”
“Oh, do you use this in your business?” the doctor asked.
“It is my business”, I answered. “I work with small business owners and their teams to streamline their operations and document their processes as well as provide leadership and communication training.”
Still no notes.
You gotta make notes.
Only about 7% of the population are auditory learners. Sixty five percent are visual and 28% are kinaesthetic (learn by doing).
When I say, “You gotta make notes”, I mean you have to record the information in some format.
Why?
Because it takes the pressure off having to remember everything in the first pass of training. It also enables others to be trained in a consistent manner to a specific standard and it allows you to hold people accountable to following the policy, procedure and standard.
It doesn’t matter what format you choose to use, as long as you document or record your policies and procedures in some way.
As I headed home for a bag of ice for my face, I was troubled, thinking about the number of people who get trained by “show and tell” methods and who don’t take notes (or record it in some way) and how many times the trainers have to train the same information over and over again.
Recording your policies and procedures actually gives you more time because you only have to do it once.
Your task this week is to document/record at least one procedure. Give it a go. Try Loom.com and Otter.ai. You can set up a free account. I trust it will inspire you to keep going.
Next week, I’ll share a funny little story about our assessment for the final session of our 9 week online masterclass series – The Loyal Lieutenant.
Regards Shirley
P.S. Our signature Leading Yourself and Leading Others Experience starts Friday 3rd February 2023. Early bird discount ends 31st December 2022. Click on the link for more information. https://shirleydalton.com/leading-yourself-leading-others-may2020/
P.P.S. The Loyal Lieutenant book is now available on Amazon. Click on the link bit.ly/TLLebook
