What Matters Most

Part 3: The Intended Audience (with a twist!)

A vital step, following the formulation of precise learning objectives, is understanding the learner(s), an indispensable element for a successful learning experience. Gaining knowledge alters perspective.

In my experience at several companies, I established a practice of thoroughly comprehending the audience. This involved categorizing individuals into three groups with the guidance of stakeholders and managers:

1. High performers
2. ?Middle-of-the-road performers
3. Struggling performers

Next, I delved into the "why" behind their performance. My approach extended beyond their professional role and delved into their personal lives. For example:

Their motivation for choosing their current job

1. Personal passions
2. Hobbies outside of work
3. Preferred learning methods beyond the workplace
4. Problem-solving strategies
5. Specific challenges in their role where they sought assistance or clarification

These inquiries consistently enriched my design of the learning experience. Why? Because now I possessed insights into their interests, hobbies, preferred problem-solving methods, pain points, passions, and their motivation for being in their current role. This knowledge eradicated assumptions and enabled me to create a learning experience rooted in information I knew would resonate and engage the learner. The elements of the learning experience became familiar and comfortable to the learner(s).

Now, get ready for an enlightening shift in instructional design. Here's a valuable insight that takes L&D professionals from Learning 101 to Learning 301!

The key term to remember here is "myopic." But what does myopic mean? Being myopic signifies having a form of nearsightedness. In L&D, it's crucial to grasp the broader perspective of a learning request. Instead of focusing solely on the identified audience (myopic), pose these critical questions to maximize the learning impact and value:

1. Who is the next closest audience directly influenced by the target audience?
2. How do these two groups interact with each other?
3. ?How does the secondary audience benefit from the success of the target audience in the new learning experience, and why?
4. Which aspects of the new learning experience would benefit the secondary audience?

These probing questions reflect a strategic mindset. In my experience across eight different industries, companies consistently involve some form of handoff between departments or business units. These units are interconnected and rely on each other for mutual success. Thus, it's worthwhile to explore the "upstream and downstream" perspectives from the target audience, be collaborative, and share the learning objectives with the secondary audience, integrating them into the learning experience alongside their colleagues. This builds inclusiveness, innovation, and collaboration among groups.