Engagement During SOP Training

Quality_Goblin

Involved In Discussions
Does anyone have any fun ideas on how to make sure that people stay engaged when you're training on a Standard Operating Procedure? Typically, we just read through the SOP document and stop for questions if anyone has any. But I feel like this can be a pretty dry way to train on a document/procedure. How do you usually train on these kinds of things?
 

Randy

Super Moderator
A couple times to liven things up I asked folks if they wanted to see a residual effect of someone who took a knife to a gunfight, and then I'd hold up my wrist. Things would get lively and then we'd get back on topic.

Take folks off tangent with some proper humor (I always told funny stories about me), regain their attention and then move back on the path you need to follow.

Oh yeah, "residual effect of someone who took a knife to a gunfight"

Engagement During SOP Training
 

Quality_Goblin

Involved In Discussions
A couple times to liven things up I asked folks if they wanted to see a residual effect of someone who took a knife to a gunfight, and then I'd hold up my wrist. Things would get lively and then we'd get back on topic.

Take folks off tangent with some proper humor (I always told funny stories about me), regain their attention and then move back on the path you need to follow.

Oh yeah, "residual effect of someone who took a knife to a gunfight"

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I like this idea! I do try to pause during the training and give a couple real-life examples. But what I am thinking is actually putting the SOP in PowerPoint format and making it more visual. I've learned that people like pictures and animations! I have another PPT presentation that also includes pop quizzes after each topic, so I think this might be a good idea? And also include examples as well!
 

Randy

Super Moderator
If you look around you can find all kinds of stuff that's free and kinda relevant as well as acceptably funny like organization design and maybe their org chart. People will place themselves in the chart.
Engagement During SOP Training
 

Golfman25

Trusted Information Resource
Does anyone have any fun ideas on how to make sure that people stay engaged when you're training on a Standard Operating Procedure? Typically, we just read through the SOP document and stop for questions if anyone has any. But I feel like this can be a pretty dry way to train on a document/procedure. How do you usually train on these kinds of things?
I would avoid "classroom training" on SOPs like the plague. Nothing worse than sitting in a room, going over step a, b & c. I suppose it depends on the SOP, but can you train where the action is, so to speak? Walk thru the SOP where it actually takes place -- and actually show what you want done, answer questions and take input.

Take learning to make a Subway sandwich. I can show you a procedure. Even one with pretty pictures. But if I get you right there in front of the fixin's and show you how to do it, live and in real time, the engagement and retention is bound to be better.

If not, strippers (both male and female) would make an impact. :)
 

Quality_Goblin

Involved In Discussions
I would avoid "classroom training" on SOPs like the plague. Nothing worse than sitting in a room, going over step a, b & c. I suppose it depends on the SOP, but can you train where the action is, so to speak? Walk thru the SOP where it actually takes place -- and actually show what you want done, answer questions and take input.

Take learning to make a Subway sandwich. I can show you a procedure. Even one with pretty pictures. But if I get you right there in front of the fixin's and show you how to do it, live and in real time, the engagement and retention is bound to be better.

If not, strippers (both male and female) would make an impact. :)
*Researches the cost of "educational" strippers*
 

Sidney Vianna

Post Responsibly
Leader
Admin
Does anyone have any fun ideas on how to make sure that people stay engaged when you're training on a Standard Operating Procedure? Typically, we just read through the SOP document and stop for questions if anyone has any. But I feel like this can be a pretty dry way to train on a document/procedure. How do you usually train on these kinds of things?
Turning a classroom training session in some type of stand up comedy will only take you so far. If you really seek attention and engagement, instead of reading the text of a procedure, you should explain to the attendees the rationale behind the requirements, what risks are being managed and, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, instances of recent failures and the consequences of such failures. If people understand the reason behind a requirement, they are much more likely to remember and comply with. The challenge is for the instructor to be able to do so in-depth explanation. And, let's not forget the applicable saying:

Tell Me and I Forget; Teach Me and I May Remember; Involve Me and I Learn​

Good luck.
 
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Mike S.

Happy to be Alive
Trusted Information Resource
If you look around you can find all kinds of stuff that's free and kinda relevant as well as acceptably funny like organization design and maybe their org chart. People will place themselves in the chart.
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I've lived that org chart. I guess most of us have at one time or another.

OP,

It all depends on the training. You have had some good ideas presented already.

If it has to be classroom training, pictures, humor, questions with candy bar prizes for a correct answer. Don't drone! I've sat through training by a guy who knew the material but his monotone and dry presentation style had everyone nodding off in no time.

If it can be done, I try the let's review the procedure, now you watch me do it slowly while you take notes/markup the procedure, now you do it while I watch, now do it on your own and I go away for awhile until you are ready to "test out" kinda training.
 
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