Spring Forward by Spring Perry

Episode Summary:

‍In this episode of the Spring Forward Podcast, host Spring Richardson-Perry interviews adult learning strategist Dr. Carrie Graham about transforming workplace training programs. Dr. Graham shares her journey from frustrated healthcare provider to training consultant, explaining how poor training experiences motivated her to help businesses develop better professional development plans. The conversation covers the fundamental differences between how children and adults learn, emphasizing that adults bring life experiences, critical thinking skills, and prior knowledge to every learning situation. Dr. Graham discusses her customized approach to training and development, focusing on truly understanding both organizational needs and employee learning preferences rather than using one-size-fits-all solutions. They explore current trends affecting workplace learning, including AI technology and the shift toward remote work environments. The discussion highlights three essential strategies for effective adult learning: engagement (not entertainment), comprehension and retention, and practical application. Dr. Graham emphasizes the significant costs of ineffective training programs, including wasted resources, frustrated employees, and negative impacts on personal lives and communities. The episode concludes with information about Dr. Graham's training assessment tool and her mission to eliminate negative learning experiences while empowering employees to develop essential leadership qualities.

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Listen Here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4REXoRDQQII

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‍10 Key Points:

1. Adults learn differently from children due to life experiences, critical thinking abilities, and prior knowledge
2. Poor training experiences have cascading negative effects on employees, families, and communities
3. Customized training programs require understanding both organizational outcomes and employee learning needs
4. One-size-fits-all training approaches are ineffective and unsustainable for long-term success
5. Remote work trends and AI technology are reshaping how businesses approach employee training
6. Effective training focuses on engagement (not entertainment), comprehension/retention, and practical application
7. Learning in community settings enhances adult learning experiences and outcomes
8. Ineffective training programs waste significant financial resources and employee time
9. Organizations must align their corporate values with their training and development initiatives
10. Strategic training assessment helps identify gaps and improvement opportunities in existing programs

10 Takeaways/Action Items:

1. Conduct a comprehensive training assessment using structured evaluation tools to identify program gaps
2. Customize training programs based on both organizational needs and employee learning preferences
3. Focus on engagement strategies that connect to learning content rather than pure entertainment
4. Design training experiences that support comprehension, retention, and practical application
5. Leverage community learning environments to enhance employee engagement and knowledge transfer
6. Align corporate values with training and development initiatives for consistency and authenticity
7. Adapt training delivery methods to accommodate remote work and virtual learning environments
8. Calculate the true cost of ineffective training programs including wasted time, resources, and employee frustration
9. Build training programs that empower employees to apply new skills immediately in their work
10. Develop systems for ongoing training evaluation and improvement based on employee feedback and outcomes

Key Insights:

‍Dr. Graham emphasizes that effective training and development must recognize that adults bring valuable life experiences and critical thinking skills to every learning situation, requiring customized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. She advocates for training programs that not only meet organizational outcomes but also empower employees to feel engaged, supported, and capable of applying their new leadership skills, ultimately creating positive impacts that extend beyond the workplace into families and communities.

Resources

Listen Here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4REXoRDQQII

Read >  Psychology Behind Blocks in Training Development

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