Research is evidence on the learning path, not “the point”

Whether it’s one of our multiple studies or the reams of academic study that we pore over, the goal is pragmatic, applicable skills, not research. Evidence is always shared in the context of the learning, not as an end in and of itself.

Your team isn’t cookie cutter, and neither are we

We do what we teach: detail + dialogue + exercises = duration. Consider how “seven ideas” radically transform based on the desired learning experience:

• A blog post may cover “seven tips for…”
• A white paper covers the same seven ideas in more depth
• A one-hour interactive online classroom experience may cover the same seven, but include discussion and an experience (the “showing” and not just “telling”)
• A seven-part blended learning experience may provide more depth, context, and application of the same seven ideas, customized participant materials, homework exercises, “teach back” or role-play or presentation practice sessions for each participant

With little discernment, it’s all about “these seven points.” With a little more investigation, you might find the team needs a couple of those points at a fairly high/quick level, while others need a hands-on approach to professional growth.

It’s simply why we don’t have a datasheet with “three nice little boxes to put you in.”

Blended learning

You can only learn about webinars, webcasts, virtual instructor led learning or presentations in a virtual environment, right? Nope. For a couple reasons:

Mastering one modality of communicating isn’t limited to that modality for learning.

Consider this example. One 1080 Group client is a company that makes engine diagnostic software and aftermarket auto parts. They’re training auto mechanics using webinars, online videos, print materials. They called us for help in one of those categories. Webinars, videos, books, and videos don’t replace hands-on, under-the-hood experience, but there are some things you learn about engines more effectively than trial-and-error under the hood. Not right or wrong…right time and place.

We teach how to master one modality (present/train/collaborate/demo), but we don’t limit ourselves to one modality to do it. Unless you want us to, of course.

You can only learn so much sitting in the audience

Imagine you’re sitting in the front row of a theatrical production. You watch the actors, how they deliver their lines, all that. If you’re particularly astute you might notice how lighting is used, where the props are placed, where the actors enter the stage area.

But here’s what you don’t notice.

Backstage, how makeup is applied, how the set was conceived and the design build process, how the play was adapted from the book,

Show, don’t tell

1080 Group’s objective is to not only transform attitude, knowledge, and skill, but also deliver an aspirational & experiential learning session or program. In fact, the typical phone call we get is,

“We’ve been using <webinars, virtual classrooms, online presentations> for several years now, and we realize we’re leaving results on the table.”

In some contexts this might be demonstrating an interactive presentation to a broader audiences…delivering an “aha!” experience that illuminates the power of the medium.

In others it may well be a small, hands-on workshop with learner ‘teach backs,’ personalized coaching, or written analysis.

Supporting materials

Every 1080 Group engagement includes customized handouts, checklists, or other takeaways to support blended and extended learning action. It may include signed copies of The Virtual Presenter’s Handbook. Sometimes there’s chocolate involved.