What do you “DO” with all that CONTENT bombarding your inbox, Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, and clogging up your brain? In working with clients over the years in a training environment, this is one issue that I’ve addressed many times. Check out these tips!
Problem
Good News / Bad News: In the world of learning, the good news is that there’s a lot of GREAT content available and experts that we can draw from; e.g., micro-learning, e-learning, TedTalks, virtual learning, YouTube, Blogs, Podcasts, Articles, Books, etc., etc. The bad news is that with SO MUCH content, how do you separate the NEED vs. NICE to KNOW?
Case in Point
Many content experts, authors, speakers provide the WHAT and miss the most important aspect which is the HOW. In other words, what’s missing is often-times step-by-step instruction converting the WHAT into HOW. Think about the last training you attended, class you took online, article or book your read. What do you remember? What did you do with that information? Did the content help you change behavior, perspective, or insight? If you’re like me, the answer is most likely no. So, what do you do about it?
Statistics related to knowledge retention include:
- After one hour, people retain only half of the information presented to them.
- After one day, people forget more than 70% of everything they’ve learned.
- After a week, people forget 90% of the information in their training.
Step 1: Ask yourself “WHY” this content?
- To help you relax from the daily grind?
- To be entertained?
- To help you grow in knowledge and skill?
- To become an expert to help others?
From the perspective of learning and with the onslaught of information, it’s more important than ever before to discern and be selective. It’s one thing to watch YouTube for the fun of vs. learning and skill with a specific purpose in mind.
Case in Point
With the onset of COVID-19, I was forced to make a decision with regards to pivoting into the virtual world. I taught online for many years, so I was familiar with the concept. However, using new tools such as Zoom, MS Teams, was a different level of proficiency. I signed up for classes, I took webinars, I spoke with experts. I remember a lot of what I learned, but to be honest, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
Step 2: Decipher the Nice to Know vs. Need to Know.
How do you know when it’s nice vs. need? If you’re like some people, you like to learn for the sake of learning. That’s OK as long as that’s a conscious decision on your part. Keep in mind that for change in behavior, belief, or perspective to occur, you must make a conscious decision to do something with the information that you take in.
Case in Point
I was selective in choosing the resources that I pursued in terms of virtual facilitation. I attended webinars, met interesting people and built a strong network of resources. Another tip is to take training that is “just-in-time”. Make sure that the training includes interactive and practical activities that you can apply. I took a couple of Zoom Classes from an expert.
Step 3: Keep a Knowledge Journal.
By writing things down, you retain more than you lose. Also, go and apply the information ASAP. Review is the name of the game. If you don’t write it down, it’s less likely that you will retain this information.
Case in Point
I had a project that included facilitating a virtual session using Zoom and that helped to solidify the training that I took. Plus, I took copious notes that I could go back to. You can also access recordings and session notes if they are available.
Step 4: Just Use It!
Don’t wait because the sooner you use the information, the more you will retain and become proficient. Remember that you don’t need to be perfect the first few times out. The more you practice, the more you become competent and confident in your delivery.
Case in Point
When I facilitated an online session for onboarding new Healthcare workers, someone was beside me (in another location) so that we co-facilitated. I received help and support until I reached a comfort level so that I could facilitate on my own.
Conclusion
“KEEP THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING.”
What’s Next?
If you have questions about how to Declutter the Brain Inbox, reach out and let’s talk.
