"For good teaching rests neither in accumulating a shell full of knowledge nor in developing a repertoire of skills. In the end, good teaching lies in a willingness to attend and care for what happens in our students, ourselves, and the space between us."
--- Laurent A. Daloz
Whether you are teaching your employees how to apply gold leaf, drive a truck or bend neon tubes, it is important to first establish a relationship between you and the employee. Make sure that there is an understanding that you are teaching him or her to succeed--- not to help your business succeed, but that you truly want that person to learn this task so that they may develop for themselves marketable abilities that can be used in other companies.
This is not selling out to the competition. This is helping a fellow human being to advance in their careers.
Zig Ziegler once said, "You can get anything that you want out of life if you only help enough other people get what they want." This should not be your motivation, but a principle to remember if you get frustrated with "giving away the farm" to those who work with and for you.
"Teaching creativity to your child isn't like teaching good manners. No one can paint a masterpiece by bowing to another person's precepts about elbows on the table."
--- Gurney Williams III
When trying to train and teach those in your company, focus only on the tasks and the outcome that you are trying to get accomplished. For example, if you are training a new sales person, focus on giving them the tools to succeed in closing the sale. Don't fret over the fact that they don't do the presentation like you do. Let them shine in their own light.
"If learning to read was as easy as learning to talk, as some writers claim, many more children would learn to read on their own. The fact that they do not, despite their being surrounded by print, suggests that learning to read is not a spontaneous or simple skill."
--- David Elkind
Try to keep in mind that while you are teaching something that you've known how to do for years, the employee who wants to learn is new to the task. Be patient and allow for the learning curve to straighten out. Teaching or training does not give back an immediate return on your time investment. It will take time before you can reap the rewards.
"Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning how to learn."
--- Loris Malaguzzi
Focus should be on improving the knowledge and skill level of the student while at the same time, enjoying the benefits of learning through interaction, rehashing learned tasks, and from the students themselves.
"Supposing is good, but finding out is better."
--- Mark Twain
Your company profits by making sure that your team is trained properly. If an employee is guessing at answers for your customers, you are losing business. Make sure that every team member knows how to do their job.
A good exercise to do is to have your employees tell you what their job description is. Make sure that they know what they are supposed to be doing. You might be surprised by their answer. In addition, ask them to show you how to perform certain tasks. Make this a relaxing demonstration and not one that their job depends upon. This will give you an idea of well they know their job and also show you where you need to train or retrain.
"I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught."
--- Winston Churchill
Planning Your Digital Signage Network
By Lyle Bunn
A digital signage project follows a structure similar to other application systems projects. The focus on revenue and other stakeholder benefits however, add additional important dimensions to a typical system development life cycle, signage project or merchandising initiative.
Read the article...
Tax Savings Under the New Energy and Transportation Laws
By Mark E. Battersby
No, neither the price of gasoline nor its impact on your sign business will be reduced under the recently passed energy and transportation bills. But both could have a noticeable impact on the tax bills of every sign business.
Read the article...
Avoiding Airbrushed Vinyl Mistakes
By Jennifer LeClaire
Perfecting the art of airbrushing on vinyl takes time but you can avoid beginner’s mistakes with a few insiders’ tips.
Read the article...
Looking for an article or trying to find an old one? Check out the SignIndustry.com article archive:
View the archive now
|
The SGIA Digital Expo - Advertiser
The SGIA Digital Expo - Experience the Digital Community Marketplace
Phoenix, Arizona - December 8–10
Exciting technology, new products and imaging’s innovators come together for a cutting-edge exposition and first-rate conference. Join your digital community while you visit leading suppliers and compare flatbeds, ink, media, and more, side-by-side and face-to-face. Get the first-hand insight only SGIA can provide. Plan to attend today.
You'll find a highly-focused forum where you can immerse yourself in the digital imaging marketplace. Your technology and markets are moving fast, and to take advantage of all the opportunities you face, you need the type of insight only SGIA can provide.
Keep the Pace
Constantly-changing technology and ever-shifting markets is what digital imaging is all about, and it's what you'll experience at the SGIA Digital Expo. During three energetic days in Phoenix, you'll meet suppliers and users who are changing your business landscape.
Come Together
New technology, exciting applications & imaging's most successful innovators converge for a cutting-edge exposition hall and a first-rate conference program. See first-hand how technologies are changing your community and how your marketplace is making technology change.
Learn by Knowing
Your time at the SGIA Digital Expo is your time to make new contacts, shoot the breeze with old friends and generally plug into your network. Visit leading suppliers and evaluate your choices, side-by-side and face-to-face. Compare everything you need to win the digital imaging trifecta: speed, quality and profit margins.
New opportunities come to light when new markets and technologies come together. Join us at your digital community marketplace: SGIA Digital Expo.
--> Click Here For More Information about the SGIA Digital Expo
Digital Expo Special: Join SGIA & Get 3 Months Free
When you join SGIA by October 31, you’ll get an additional three months free membership. Join online at SGIA.org, contact SGIA: 888.385.3588 or sgia@sgia.org. Satisfaction guaranteed!
|
|
Advertisement for lawn sprinkler system on side of truck:
In a large department store:
"Stock up and save! Limit one per customer."
At a dry cleaners:
"We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it by hand"
Have you seen any funny signs lately? Why not share them with the world? Send your comments, suggestions, and hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.