{"id":22562,"date":"2022-06-14T12:01:40","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T17:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/?p=22562"},"modified":"2022-06-14T12:01:40","modified_gmt":"2022-06-14T17:01:40","slug":"thinking-outside-the-training-toolbox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/thinking-outside-the-training-toolbox\/","title":{"rendered":"Thinking Outside the Training Toolbox"},"content":{"rendered":"

During a recent conference call, my knee-jerk reaction to a potential content collaborator\u2019s suggestion was: \u201cBut that\u2019s not really the type of content we post, and that\u2019s not the way our process works.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

The words echoed in my head for a few beats, followed by a mental head slap.<\/p>\n

Ugh! Did I really just say those words after 15 years of preaching about how important it is to be open-minded, willing to change, try new things, and think outside the box (whether that\u2019s the training box, your industry box, your process box, your content box, or any other box you\u2019re currently inhabiting)?<\/p>\n

Sometimes even if it ain\u2019t broke, it still could benefit from some tweaking or a new approach or inspiration from a new source. Hopefully, the cover line of this online-only issue will serve to remind me of that notion the next time I start a sentence with \u201cBut\u201d or roll my eyes about suggestions to do something differently.<\/p>\n

A Modern Twist<\/h2>\n

Compliance training is often one area where companies keep on doing what they\u2019ve been doing, figuring there\u2019s not much they can do to make it more engaging. But today, there\u2019s an opportunity for compliance and HR leaders to reevaluate the effectiveness of their current training methods and optimize them for a hybrid, digitally connected workforce\u2014see \u201c3 Ways to Modernize Compliance and Ethics Training<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sales training likewise often can benefit from some updating, as companies frequently stop training sales reps after onboarding, figuring they can \u201clearn as they go\u201d rather than lose precious selling time in the field. But, as HFX Training Director Jeremy Lovelace notes in \u201cTraining Simulations Are the Perfect Motivator for a Sales Team,\u201d<\/a> high-performing organizations are finding that learner-led, collaborative, and engaging training modalities such as computer-based simulations are likely to play an increasingly vital role in preparing sales forces for a data-driven future. Indeed, AI Conversation Simulation provides hyper-realistic, immersive and active learning experiences. Click here<\/a> to find out how it can prepare agents to deliver empathetic customer experiences and peak performance starting with their first live call.<\/p>\n

Virtual Verve<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re looking for some tools to boost online engagement as the future of work trends toward a hybrid model (some combination of in-office and remote work), you might consider in-app videoconferencing, multi-instructor mode, analytics panels, integration with learning management system functionality, and content panels as detailed in \u201c5 Hands-On Tools to Help Trainers Increase Online Engagement.\u201d<\/a> Another option to consider is a learning simulation platform<\/a>, which acts as an upskilling accelerator, engaging learners while delivering measurable results\u2014in many cases, as much as 20 to 50 percent skills improvement.<\/p>\n

Video coaching also can be very effective\u2014in fact, 74 percent of respondents said virtual coaching and mentoring is just as effective, or even more effective, than traditional coaching, according to an HR.com survey (see \u201cThe Real Benefits of Video Coaching\u201d<\/a>). This is especially true in onboarding in the hybrid work model, as organizations need to create a virtual-friendly new hire orientation process that includes both synchronous and asynchronous communication tools and a mentor\/mentee system, notes Matt Bradley, senior Learning & Development advisor at Open Sesame, in \u201cIndustry Solutions: What Have We Learned About Hybrid Work So Far?\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

Check Out TechLearn in Texas<\/h2>\n

Attending our upcoming TechLearn 2022 Conference<\/a> September 20-22 in Austin, TX, can help you make the most of the training tools you have, plus discover new tech and applications you didn\u2019t even know existed. Choose from more than 55 engaging breakout sessions over two days, and see what\u2019s cookin\u2019 in the Training Test Kitchen, which will feature 45-plus technology and design demos.<\/p>\n

Session and demo topics include:<\/p>\n