Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
– Benjamin Franklin

The wisdom in this quote by Benjamin Franklin is something every manager and leader should take to heart – learning by doing is the best way to impart knowledge. Pontificating until one is blue in the face does not get the desired result.  Employees learn best when they are given opportunities and are a part of doing something and achieving success.

Learning by Doing is a Powerful Method:

We are all inundated with information and with all the clutter one tends to hear something, nod their head cursorily, and then forget all about it.  For example, let’s assume a mother or father is telling the daughter all about bike riding and the dos and don’ts, but she forgets most of it.

On the other hand, if a person is taught something hands-on, they will remember the gist of it but still may struggle in how to do something. For example, if an employee were to given training on how to build a project plan, they will remember the mechanics of it.

When we participate hands-on and have involvement and ownership of something, it is etched in our brain.  As an example, imagine one was not just taught about the process and steps of project management but actually get them involved in build a project plan for a live program. That experience and knowledge are deep and abiding.

Next time, when you feel the urge to pontificate, please stop. Remember learning by doing is the best path. And explore how you may be able to involve your team hands on to accelerate the learning.