Have you ever had someone describe something, and you just didn’t understand it until you saw a picture of it? How about the employee who grappled with new software but didn’t nail it until she worked with it herself, hands-on? These situations are completely normal, there are different styles and learning methods for employee development. Everyone has a different way of learning and taking in information. 

When presenting to your team, keep in mind that individuals take in and retain information differently. Some grasp a concept best when they hear about it. Others need to see something in order to understand it. And other people can only learn from using a hands-on learning approach. Below is several options for methods for employee development.

Basic Learning Styles

Learn Best by Hearing

  • These individuals are often eager to sit through a talk or presentation. They can even pick up information from tone, inflection, pitch, etc.
  • It’s best to communicate with them via phone or in person.
  • Talk to them in person about goals and expectations.
  • Give them opportunities to speak and give presentations.

Learn Best by Seeing

  • These individuals learn best by seeing information displayed in front of them.
  • Encourage them to take notes during meetings and presentations. It’ll help them absorb information.
  • Communicate visually via notes, emails, or texts.
  • Present information through slide presentations, timeline, flow charts, videos, etc.

Learn Best by Doing

  • These individuals absorb information through a hands-on approach.
  • They prefer to learn by jumping into a project and figuring things out as they go.
  • Be aware that kinesthetic learners often multi-task. They can still pay attention while pacing, doodling, or tidying up their desk.
  • Help them understand new skills by letting them do it themselves rather than going deep into an explanation.

Understanding this simple premise of different learning styles can have a positive impact on your employees. Not one method is better than another. In fact, having employees with different learning styles can add to a team’s creativity and skill set. The key is to know how to use them in a positive way so that you can set your employees up for success, and create a dynamic team. To learn more about how to tailor workplace training to all types of learning styles, visit Eagles Flight.

Want assistance with recruiting or building an awesome team? We offer recruiting services! Call MassHire and Cape and Islands Career Center at 508-771-5627. We’re here to help.