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I Love to See My Name!

I learned a valuable lesson in 1970. It was my first job out of college, and I was in the Training Department. We had operations in one state, and an important but smaller operation in another. I was in charge of “remote” training with virtually no budget. That didn’t matter though, because in 1970, what could I have done? Video tape was only being invented, and we hadn’t even dreamed of the internet. So I created a series of synchronized audio and slide programs. Actually… pretty cool stuff for the time.

I had a receptive audience. They were hungry for training but if they had one complaint, it was that the examples were all from “home base.” It’s almost like saying, “What are we, second cousins?” They were right – and I never made that mistake again!

Since that day, every opportunity to make examples, photos, and illustrations local to the learner, I do. In our customized TellerSolution® Program, for example, every MICR, area code, zip code, city, state, address on checks and forms, illustrations on checks and forms, illustrations, and other pertinent details are all dynamic, and learners feel the training is designed specifically for them. This is powerful. Our studies show that the learner attitude toward the training, enthusiasm, and retention all are affected by the degree of “personalization.”

If you are developing you own online programs, do what you can to permit dynamic terms and graphics specific to the area in which your participants sign on. If you have branches in different states or locales, make sure you are not providing barriers to training due to use of YOUR location. This is especially true if you are the acquiring bank in an acquisition.

One final thing… if you can use the learner’s name in the program, you will significantly improve their attitude toward learning. In an online program, include the learner’s name in an example or scenario. In a live presentation use class member’s names in your handouts or role plays. You’ll be the hero, but more importantly, you will have made a small effort that provides big rewards.