Something that's served me well is my design thinking approach to Enablement. It allows me to take my team and partners a step back to think critically when approaching new training programs or initiatives. Most of the time, it comes down to asking two key questions: What's the goal of this training? And what do we want our reps to know, do, or say that they didn't before?
Too often, I see folks jump into development too early, forgetting to get to the crux of the problem first. Before diving into the specifics of the training content or delivery methods, we need to clearly understand and map the outcomes we're aiming at. Are we trying to fill a knowledge gap, enhance skills, or change behaviors? And, importantly, how do these goals align with our overall objectives? You see, all of these outcomes would be achieved in varying ways.
These seemingly simple yet surprisingly deep questions encourage everyone involved to be pragmatic and laser-focused on the real purpose behind training. Our job in Enablement is more than just checking a box or mindlessly following marching orders toward content creation. It's about engaging as thought partners and leaders to drive the discussion to help our teams discover what exactly needs to change and why. Only then can we hone in on the best methodology and application to drive results.
Starting with the basics not only helps us build more effective and targeted programs but also sparks ideation and innovation. It lets you challenge the status quo, be curious, and stay adaptable to tailor solutions that meet our reps' real needs. Time and again, I've seen this lead to more engaging, impactful programs that stick with people because they are built with intention and empathy from the ground up.
Beginning with the end ensures our Enablement efforts are meaningful, relevant, and genuinely beneficial. It's a way of ensuring we're not just going through the motions but are genuinely investing in our reps' growth and, ultimately, the success of our organization. More often than not, it means getting clear on the 'why' before jumping into the 'how.'
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Way to go Amelia Northrup-Simpson! ??