You're designing a training program for multiple generations. How do you make it engaging for everyone?
When designing a training program for a diverse workforce, you'll need to consider different learning styles to keep everyone engaged. Here are some strategies to help you:
How do you ensure your training programs are engaging for all generations? Share your thoughts.
You're designing a training program for multiple generations. How do you make it engaging for everyone?
When designing a training program for a diverse workforce, you'll need to consider different learning styles to keep everyone engaged. Here are some strategies to help you:
How do you ensure your training programs are engaging for all generations? Share your thoughts.
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I firmly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to training individuals. As someone who started new to the corporate world, I found that true training comes from rolling up my sleeves and immersing myself in the work, experiencing it firsthand. Merely grasping theoretical concepts without putting them into practice renders them ineffective. I advocate for a learning process rooted in action—telling, doing, and understanding—over traditional classroom instruction. As we ascend the professional ladder, the value of mentoring and coaching becomes increasingly apparent. These interactions help us navigate real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and a proactive problem-solving mindset that is essential for success.
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To make training to engage all generations. I focus on using various learning methods like videos, hands-on sessions, written material and so on. I used to have short interactive sessions with quizz, games. And also make them to apply the learned skills in real time situations. By give mentorship to each that also encourage them to do knowledge sharing between Genz and Older. And more importantly I give flexible learning option either online or offline for effective involvement of everyone.
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With multiple generations working in organisations, it is so important avoid any unconscious bias. A useful approach is to tailor the training to different learning styles and experiences, without necessarily making it about age. Blending interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and tech-based elements with practical, experience-driven insights may suit all generations, ensuring inclusivity. Furthermore, by encouraging knowledge-sharing between generations without judging anyone, you can help to foster mutual respect and engagement. If the participants can understand that everyone has value, if they have an open mind during the training, it can potentially positively impact their role and career development beyond the session.
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Regardless of the topic, it's important to consider the audience and how best to engage. Most people seem amenable to an engaging, interesting, and thought-provoking presentation and I have found that in-person trainings best convey the energy levels needed for high engagement. This format should be coupled with interactive electronic-based formats for those who cannot attend in person. Essentially, provide the same dynamic presentation for everyone, from Boomers to Gen-Z and include activities that participants can opt-into as opposed to out-of. This caters to all comfort levels and allows for non-kinesthetic learners to profit from straight observation, and in a non-coercive environment.
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This is a great question. I would first get some folks together and do a listening circle to find out the best way they like to learn. Then I would see how I could incorporate that into my LMS platform whether it be audio, visual, scanning a QR code, embedding a podcast, music, sermon, or lecture. I know with 8-10 folks offering their perspective, we could come up with some brilliant ideas. I would also get the voices and opinions of our younger generation. A 8 year old has a lot of wisdom that is untapped and usually in the most purest form. I would create pathways for learning as well to help expand perspectives, concepts, and thought patterns. This is a great question. 🙏🏾 Carlos Da Silva Change Agents Institute Powered By Love
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